Purpose

The beach lifeguard service on Brighton and Hove’s beaches is currently managed directly by the council. The Seafront Office oversees 13km of coastline from Hove Lagoon to Saltdean. The season runs annually from the end of May to early September. The lifeguards are responsible for managing emergency responses to water and land-based incidents. A review of the service has been undertaken to look at options available to manage the lifeguard service from summer 2025.

Decision

RESOLVED:

That Committee:

1. Noted that the soft market research identified in the options review shows that the RNLI are currently the only external organisation found to be operating beach lifeguard services for local authorities.
2. Agreed that delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director of City Services, in consultation with the relevant cabinet portfolio holder, to conclude negotiations with the RNLI leading to either the service being contracted out as detailed in paras 4.6 to 4.11 or continuing in-house as detailed in paras 4.3 to 4.5.