The Brighton lifeboat crew rescued a woman in distress at the Palace Pier earlier this week during what the RNLI said had been a busy start to the year.
The RNLI said: “On Tuesday 4 February, at 12.47pm, Brighton RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard to Brighton Palace Pier following concerns for a person.
“The lifeboat crew assembled immediately and launched, approaching the pier at a controlled pace to support emergency services already on scene.
“The lifeboat crew were able to recover the casualty promptly and safely and, due to sea conditions close to the beach, the decision was taken to return to Brighton Lifeboat Station.
“The casualty was assessed at the station before being transferred into the care of the ambulance service, supported by police. The lifeboat was stood down at 1.52pm.”
The RNLI also said: “Last week, on Tuesday 28 January at 12.13pm, Brighton RNLI launched to assist a reported motor vessel adrift approximately one nautical mile south east of Brighton Marina, with four people on board.
“Assistance had reportedly been attempted for some time prior to the lifeboat being tasked.
“On arrival, the casualty vessel was no longer in the reported location.
“The lifeboat conducted searches while HM Coastguard made further inquiries and attempted to contact the vessel by phone.
“It was later confirmed that the vessel had entered Brighton Marina safely and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to the station at 12.56pm. No assistance was required.”
The RNLI added: “More recently, on Wednesday 5 February at 10.56pm, Brighton RNLI launched following multiple reports of a red flare sighted off the seafront near the i360.
“The lifeboat searched the area for over an hour, conducting several search patterns. A flare casing was later found on the beach by Coastguard Rescue Teams. No person or vessel in difficulty was located and the lifeboat was stood down.
“Brighton RNLI is reminding the public that flares should only ever be used in a genuine emergency when there is an immediate danger to life
“Misuse of flares can lead to lifeboats and emergency services being launched unnecessarily and may divert vital resources from real emergencies.”
Lifeboat operations manager Charlie Dannreuther said: “Our volunteer crews are ready to respond at any time of day or night and every launch is treated as a genuine emergency until we’re told otherwise.
“Whether it’s supporting other emergency services, carrying out searches or responding to reports of distress, the crew’s focus is always on acting quickly, calmly and professionally to keep people safe.
“If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
