The heatwave has brought plenty of people to the area and the Littlehampton beaches are busy with people enjoying the warm weather.
To ensure that everyone has a fun and safe day out, it’s important to highlight the dangers posed by swimming close to the pier and the river, and by climbing on the timber structure of the West Works.
Both the RNLI Beach Lifeguards and the RNLI Lifeboats have been kept busy recently, rescuing people from situations which are easily avoidable.
- In just one day recently, the RNLI Beach Lifeguards rescued 5 casualties swept from the beach into the river, in 3 seperate incidents. One of these required the casualty to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
- Both lifeboats have been tasked several times recently to rescue swimmers from the same location.
- The tidal flow alongside the river and around the pier creates strong cross-currents which will easily carry even strong swimmers into the river, where they are at risk of drowning or being struck by passing boats.
For this reason, swimming is prophibited in the first bay of East Beach, as shown on the diagram below and on the information boards along the seafront.
The Beach Lifeguards are on duty 7 days a week over the summer and, whereever possible, you should always swim between the Red and Yellow flags.
We have also seen an increase in the number of people climbing on the timber structure which separates the river from West Beach (known locally as the West Works). This structure is not intended for climbing. Marine growth makes it slippery when wet and sharp timbers and steel fixings pose a risk of injury. To make the most of your day, we urge you not to climb on the timbers and to remain on the beach.
