East Sussex heatwave travel warning - 'heavy traffic, inconsiderate parking and littering' at popular destinations

Rother District Council leader Cllr Doug Oliver said he was urging people to enjoy the area's beautiful coastline and attractions while taking steps to protect themselves in the soaring hot weather.

He said: “Sunny days are very welcome, not least because more residents and visitors will be out enjoying our district. They provide an enormous boost to our local economy, with many businesses seeing an increase in trade.

“However, we also want to keep people safe and remind them to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly and take breaks from the sun, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.”

He urged people visiting the coast to stay safe after incidents at Camber Sands where people have been rescued after getting into difficulty outside the lifeguarded areas.

He said: “For your safety, always swim between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are on duty and can respond quickly in an emergency.

“If you get into difficulty in the sea, float on your back, stay calm and raise one arm to signal for help. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Enjoy the water but respect it.”

People have been asked to play their part in reducing congestion and protecting the environment .

Cllr Oliver said: “Unfortunately, popular destinations can experience issues such as heavy traffic, inconsiderate parking and littering. If you are heading to our coast or one of our other popular attractions, please drive and park considerately. Where possible, consider car sharing or using public transport to help reduce congestion.

"And please use the bins provided. If they are full, take your litter home with you. By working together, we can help keep our district clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.”

More information on the locations of lifeguarded zones and the times when lifeguards are on duty visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches