A seafront patrol boat has returned to service to help keep beachgoers safe.
Operated by Brighton and Hove City Council’s seafront team, the boat will patrol the coast during peak times this summer, particularly when weather conditions are calm and more people are likely to be in the water.
Councillor David McGregor, cabinet member for economy, culture, heritage and tourism, said: "With this week’s heatwave, the sea has been one of the best places to cool off and one of the busiest places in the city.
"Getting the seafront patrol boat back on the water means residents and visitors can feel more confident when they’re enjoying it.
"Using the boat will help the seafront team to prevent incidents from happening before they happen and educating people on the dangers of the open water.
"This is one of a number of ways we’re strengthening safety across the seafront this summer, alongside our partners including the RNLI and Sussex Police."
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The patrol boat is part of a wider programme of seafront safety measures for the summer.
It returned to the water on June 27 ahead of the Brighton Pier to Pier Swim Race.
The council's seafront team will use the boat to monitor activity offshore, offering advice and education to people using inflatables and paddle boards who may drift too far out.
They will also help enforce existing bathing byelaws and address unsafe or illegal jet ski use.
RNLI lifeguards are stationed along key sections of the beach until September 6.
Additional sites will be covered from July 18.
Other safety measures include expanded CCTV coverage along the seafront, sea safety education for schoolchildren and increased patrols.
The patrol boat will support the RNLI beach lifeguard service, helping to respond quickly to incidents and keeping the seafront safe for everyone.
