A charity could be asked to take over the city’s lifeguard service to save money.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it is exploring the option for the RNLI to take on management of the lifeguard service from summer 2025.

The RNLI manages other lifeguard services in other parts of the country.

Last year, lifeguard stations were reduced by almost a third as part of the Green administration’s efforts to plug a multi-million-pound black hole in the council’s finances.

When Labour took over, it reversed the plans and recruited lifeguards for the summer season.

The party now says it is considering ways to “protect the service from future cuts” and said partnering with the charity during the summer months will “ensure additional revenue can be brought in to maintain the service”.

Councillor Alan Robins, chairman of the culture, heritage, sport, tourism and economic development committee said: “Lifeguards play a vital role, and it is essential that they are well-trained, well-supported and well-resourced. In the last year alone, the council’s lifeguard team saved 21 lives and reunited 50 missing people on the seafront.

“As councils up and down the country are being forced to make difficult budget decisions, lifeguards could disappear from beaches. In Brighton and Hove we will make sure this does not happen on our watch.

“By exploring how our lifeguards could be managed differently, we can ensure this vital service will continue to be provided so residents and visitors can continue to enjoy our beaches safely for years to come.”

Councillors will be asked to approve the proposal at a meeting of the culture, heritage, sport, tourism and economic development committee meeting on Thursday, April 18.

Council leader Bella Sankey said: “Brighton and Hove is proudly a tourist destination, with millions of people flocking to our city each year, particularly during the summer months, with many heading to our beautiful coastline.

“Sea safety has always been our primary consideration when looking at options for the lifeguard service, so we’re delighted to be looking at options to partner with RNLI, who have so much expertise in the area of sea safety.

“The previous Green administration proposed a potentially dangerous cut to the lifeguard service of £100,000 which would have seriously reduced the service and the number of lifeguards on our seafront.

“We urgently reversed this decision and have ringfenced funding going forward to ensure the service is protected from cuts. Our Labour council is committed to always maintaining this service in sufficient numbers, whether that be in-house or in partnership with other organisations.”