Littlehampton Harbour Board has received several reports of anti-social behaviour in the harbour area and would like to reassure the public that these concerns are being taken seriously.
Yesterday evening, multiple incidents were witnessed involving people jumping into the harbour from the slipway quay, the red footbridge and harbour pontoons. This activity took place while boats were launching, recovering and navigating through the harbour.
While the warm weather may make the water look inviting, swimming, diving and jumping in these areas is dangerous and is illegal without permission from the Harbour Master.
The risks include:
🚤 Collision with boats and propellers
🌊 Strong currents and tidal flows
⚠️ Hidden underwater hazards around pontoons and structures
👀 Reduced visibility making swimmers difficult for boat crews to see
In recent weeks, RNLI lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards have carried out more than a dozen rescues and interventions within the harbour. What may seem like harmless fun can quickly become a life-threatening situation.
Please remember: 🔹 Harbour General Directions prohibit swimming, diving and jumping in designated areas. 🔹 Offenders may face prosecution and fines of up to £2,500. 🔹 Harbour pontoons are private property and trespassing may result in further action by Sussex Police. 🔹 Interfering with life-saving equipment is a criminal offence and puts lives at risk.
The Harbour Board has extensive CCTV footage of yesterday’s incidents and will work with Sussex Police where appropriate.
📞 If you witness this behaviour taking place, call 999. If the incident has already ended, call 101.
Nobody wants to be the “fun police”, but safety and our duty to all harbour users must come first. The harbour is an active working port — not a playground.
If you witness an incident at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
