£100k Lifeguard Cuts Could Cost Lives in East Sussex, Union Warns
‘Blood on Their Hands’ Warning from Union
East Sussex councillors face fierce backlash over a proposed £100,000 cut to beach lifeguard stations. Richard Woolven, Branch Service Conditions Officer for Seafront staff, lashed out, saying: “There are always tragic accidents, and even deaths on the seafront, and these cuts will increase the likelihood of these occurrences. If this is passed, it will literally leave councillors with blood on their hands.”
Family Beaches to Bear the Brunt
The axe is set to fall hardest on family-friendly beaches including Kemp Town, West Pier, and Hove Lagoon. These vital stations protect the most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and weaker swimmers. A petition by local campaigner Justine Stephens highlights that lifeguards saved 46 lives last season, averaging one rescue every eight days during lifeguard hours.
Service Slashed: Lifeguard Stations to Drop from 7 to Just 4
Unless challenged, the council’s plans will see West Hove, Saltdean, Rottingdean, and Ovingdean left completely without lifesaving cover in 2023. Only four stations—Brighton Pier, Albion Beach, West Street, and King Alfred—are expected to remain open from May, down from seven in previous years.
Despite council officers flagging an “increased risk to public safety” in official papers, the service is being labelled “nonessential” in budget talks. The full council is set to vote on 23 February.
Council Cites Funding Crisis but Lifeguard Future Uncertain
A Brighton Council spokesperson told the BBC: “We’ve lost more than £100m in government funding over the last 12 years and face a £14m shortfall. Difficult decisions must be made. No final call on lifeguard funding for this summer or future years has been taken yet.”
The petition to save the lifeguards is live at Save Our Savers Brighton & Hove. Locals are urged to act fast before these vital protections wash away.
