Coastal safety officials have appealed to visitors to exercise caution along the shoreline during the upcoming bank holiday period.
Following an extended spell of hot conditions, meteorological forecasts indicate that unsettled conditions including rainfall and gusty winds will impact southeastern regions on Saturday 29 August.
As substantial numbers of holidaymakers prepare to descend upon seaside destinations throughout the extended weekend, authorities have emphasised the importance of water safety awareness.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s coastal management division has circulated an advisory encouraging both residents and tourists to demonstrate heightened vigilance whilst frequenting the seafront area this weekend.
In a statement shared via social media platforms, the authority indicated that with changeable weather patterns and turbulent marine conditions anticipated throughout the bank holiday period, visitors were requested to exercise additional prudence along the Brighton and Hove coastline.
The guidance outlined several recommendations, including maintaining a safe distance from the water’s edge, ensuring children remained nearby at all times, and keeping dogs secured on leads in proximity to the sea.
Additional precautions highlighted included remaining cognisant of tidal schedules, refraining from standing upon rock armours and groyne structures, and adopting particular care when capturing images or photographs in damp or wet conditions.
The authority further stated that members of the public were encouraged to enjoy the seafront responsibly while remaining attentive to fellow visitors’ wellbeing throughout the bank holiday weekend.
Instructions were also provided for emergency situations, advising that anyone witnessing an individual experiencing distress in the water should contact emergency services by dialling 999 and specifically requesting the coastguard service.
The advisory follows a series of fatalities recorded in aquatic environments throughout the current year.
Earlier in August, four individuals from the same family tragically lost their lives after encountering difficulties in the sea in the vicinity of Shoreham.
An 18-year-old male also perished after being rescued from the water at Camber Sands on 10 August.
In May, the remains of three women were retrieved from the sea off Brighton.
The deceased were identified as three siblings originating from the Uxbridge district of London: Jane Adetoro, aged 36, Christina Walters, aged 32, and Rebecca Walters, aged 31.