Residents urged to use Seaford beach responsibly amid no lifeguards

Boating, swimming and other sea-based activities are now allowed under the new Government guidelines, but, now more than ever people need to respect the coastline, it said.

“While people are allowed to go out on and in the water, they need to make sure they are safe and protected,” said a spokesman.

“Those with private boats and yachts should carry out all the usual safety checks and make sure they have a way to contact HM Coastguard if they get into difficulty, as should everyone visiting the coast and beaches.”

Although Seaford Lifeguards will not be patrolling the beach, they are still carrying out weekly inspections of Public Rescue Equipment along the seafront, the council said.

“It was not a decision taken lightly but the lifeguards must consider the safety of their team members,” said a spokesman.

“As with previous years, yellow buoys will be sited 200 metres out to sea from Splash Point to Edinburgh Road.

“The landside of these buoys donates a safe swimming zone where only hand powered craft are permitted.

“It is strongly recommended that despite the buoys being back in situ, only strong and competent swimmers, and those with the necessary equipment, enter the water in order to reduce unnecessary risks and only in ideal swimming conditions.”

The spokesman added: “Please use the beach responsively, maintain social distancing and consider if your activity might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk.”

Seaford Lifeguards are all volunteers. If you get into trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.