Measures to improve seafront safety are due to be debated this week after at least five deaths in the sea off Brighton and Hove over the past few months.
Three sisters – Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters and Rebecca Walters – died on Wednesday 13 May and the bodies two men have since been recovered.
A motion to be proposed by Labour councillor Amanda Grimshaw calls for a reaffirmed commitment to working with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and notes the return of the seafront patrol boat.
Brighton and Hove City Council brought the seafront patrol boat back into action after a series of reports of jet skiers “show-boating” close to the beach, putting swimmers and paddle boarders in danger.
The motion also mentions the push to maintain the Blue Flag status of some local beaches and the high safety standards required to retain the designation.
A notice of motion said: “Brighton and Hove is known for its vibrant, award-winning beaches and attracts millions of visitors each year
“Our beaches often appear on the list of best beaches in Sussex and the south east.
“Seafront safety is of paramount importance to residents and visitors alike. There have been a number of tragic incidents and near misses along the coastline this year which are still subject to investigation.”
The council is also asked to note “the shameful criticism directed at the RNLI and other marine emergency services carrying out their duty to protect life at sea irrespective of the circumstance”.
The motion, supported by Brighton and Hove Independent councillor Mark Earthey, is due to be debated at a meeting of the full council at Hove Town Hall on Thursday (23 July).
The meeting is scheduled to start at 2pm and to be webcast.
