Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team

26/06/2026

If you’re visiting the beach this weekend, make sure you stay safe.
Free wristbands are available for children, just chat to the Lifeguards or Foreshore office.

Our Beach Patrol team responds to a high number of incidents each summer, including lost or missing children, vulnerable adults, and water rescues.

Let’s work together to keep everyone safe while enjoying the summer sunshine.

Firstly - help keep your children safe by encouraging them to watch this excellent RNLI video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmSM_Caw7yw

To ensure our beaches remain clean, safe, and accessible, there are a number of guidelines outlining what is and isn’t permitted: https://www.arun.gov.uk/beach-safety/

Before you go ... pack sun hats, UV protection cream, and a parasol or shade if you have one.
When you arrive ... visit the Beach Patrol Office for a free child safety wristband - add your contact number, secure it to your child, take a photo of them and let them know they can go there for help.
During your visit ... reapply sun cream regularly and stay hydrated - there’s a free drinking water tap outside the Beach Patrol Office.

If you need help our Beach Patrol staff are 'first aid' trained and ready to assist. Please visit the Beach Patrol Office if you feel unwell or have an injury.

And finally – please take your rubbish home and leave the beach clean for the next person.

23/06/2026

RED WEATHER WARNING ISSUED 🔴⚠️

Rare red weather warnings have been issued across the Midlands and Southern England over the coming days due to extreme heat.

This is the highest level of alert and indicates a danger to life.

Despite the hot air temperature, water can remain cool and cold water shock is still a risk.

Reduce the risk in warmer weather:

Don’t go alone – look out for your friends and those you go with 👫

Be prepared – Take extra water with you to help you stay hydrated, as well wearing sunscreen and a hat 💧

If you’re in difficulty in the water, remember Float to Live – Lean back with your ears submerged and move your arms and legs to help keep you afloat until you can control your breathing 🌊

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

21/06/2026

It may be tempting to cool off in or near the water during a heatwave, but please take extra care when doing so ☀️

Swim at a lifeguarded beach where possible 🏖️

Take notice of the beach flags and safety signs 🚩

Stay within your limits when in the water 🌊

Never enter the water after drinking alcohol ❌

If you get into trouble, Float to Live 🛟

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

07/06/2026

Today we commemorate 82 years since the D-Day landings, the historic Allied invasion of Normandy during the Second World War and still recognised as the largest seaborne invasion in history.

The success of D‑Day played a crucial part in securing protection from invasion and we will never forget the sacrifices of those who gave their service across our nation.

05/06/2026

⛵️ Heading out on the boat this weekend?

Make sure you're prepared before setting sail. We've recently seen an increase in incidents involving vessels becoming stuck while entering Littlehampton Harbour.

Before you head out, we strongly recommend checking local charts and tide information for the areas you plan to navigate.

It's also essential to carry the right safety equipment on board:

✅ Lifejackets
✅ VHF Radio
✅ Charts
✅ GPS
✅ Flares

A little preparation can make a big difference to your safety on the water.

For more advice on staying safe at sea and along the coast, visit: https://hmcoastguard.uk/onboard

In a coastal emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, or call for UK Coastguard on CH16.

Our onboard safety advice will keep you prepared for various situations to help ensure everyone returns home and dry.

01/06/2026

Training Notice: Thursday 4th June 2026: 19:00 - 20:30

HM Coastguard & Sussex Police We will be conducting a joint training exercise on and under Shoreham Bridge (A259)

This exercise will help bolster our collaborative workings. Please do not be alarmed by emergency response on and under the bridge during these times.

22/05/2026

With a lovely warm Bank Holiday weekend predicted our local beaches will be busy.

Remember to stay safe, and hydrated whilst on the beach. Whilst the sun may be beaming down, the sea temperature remains a chilly 14 degrees Celsius so take care when entering the water.

If you see someone in trouble on the coast or out to sea, call 999 for the Coastguard.

For more advice see here: https://hmcoastguard.uk/coast

12/05/2026

🚨 Important Safety Notice – Marine Distress Flares 🚨

⚠️ Please do NOT leave unwanted marine distress flares at the Harbour Office ⚠️

Distress and signal flares are explosives and cannot be safely stored or handled at the Harbour Office. Leaving them here places staff, visitors, and the general public at serious risk.

Someone recently abandoned this collection in a bin bag outside the visitor's ablutions.

🚫 Abandoning or illegally dumping flares is a criminal offence
⚠️ Flares not only pose a fire risk, but also a significant projectile hazard which could injur or kill someone standing many metres away
✅ Only use approved flare disposal schemes or collection events
✅ For information on the safe disposal of flares see here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares

10/05/2026

Yesterday afternoon, the team was tasked to assist a person who had slipped and fallen whilst walking on the beach in Middleton On Sea.

The casualty had sustained a serious wrist injury. The team worked to stabilise the casualty and making them as comfortable as possible as well as carrying out a full assessment to check for any other injuries.

Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station was requested to assist by bringing pain relief equipment to the scene. Working together this enabled the teams to make the casualty more comfortable.

A short while later, the casualty was handed into the care of the ambulance service.
This incident highlights the importance of our casualty care skills and how they are vital to the service we provide. It also demonstrates the value of strong interoperability between emergency services, and how knowledge and understanding of our partner agencies’ equipment and capabilities can make a real difference when needed most.

03/05/2026

This week the team carried out a refresher training session on Time Expired Pyrotechnics (TEPs).

The exercise was based on a scenario involving multiple reported flares washed ashore. Team members assessed the situation and responded using established procedures and specialist equipment to safely secure the items for transport.

Marine flares can be extremely hazardous if found on the coast. If you come across anything that looks like a flare, do not touch it. Make a note of its location and call 999, asking for the Coastguard.

Please remember: it is illegal to dump expired flares or leave them at Coastguard stations. Guidance on safe disposal can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares