The volunteer coastguard unit at Birling Gap is heading towards its most active year on record.

Birling Gap Coastguard Volunteers have attended 137 incidents so far in 2026, comprising cliff rescue operations, aquatic emergencies, and attempts to locate missing individuals.

This figure represents an additional 30 callouts compared to the identical period twelve months prior.

The Birling Gap team is on track to surpass all previous annual records. (Image: Birling Gap Coastguard)

Members of the public voiced their gratitude across social media platforms.

Kay Maloney expressed her thanks for the volunteers’ unwavering commitment to assisting individuals caught up in perilous and dire circumstances.

Dave Horne conveyed his appreciation, urging them to persist in their efforts and noting that circumstances would have been markedly altered had it been one of their own relatives requiring assistance.

The unit operates across the coastline spanning from Eastbourne to Brighton.

In the event of a coastal emergency, members of the public are advised to telephone 999 and request the Coastguard service.