Heat, sun and sea safety for solar eclipse

Residents and visitors are being urged to take extra care in the heat and stay safe on Brighton & Hove’s seafront this week. 

An Amber Heat-Health Alert is in place for the South East until 9pm on Friday 14 August. 

The alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and warns that hot weather is likely to have significant impacts on health, particularly for older people, young children and those with existing health conditions. 

Large numbers of people are expected to visit the seafront over the coming days, including students celebrating A level results and people planning to watch the solar eclipse on Wednesday.

Brighton & Hove City Council is reminding everyone to enjoy the city safely by following simple advice on heat, sun and sea safety.

We will be opening the severe weather shelter for people sleeping rough on Wednesday and Thursday – offering showers, a light lunch, cool drinks and a place to rest and shelter from the heat of the day.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: "Brighton & Hove’s seafront is one of the best places to spend time during the summer, and we’re expecting it to be especially busy this week.

"We want everyone to enjoy themselves safely, whether you’re celebrating exam results, meeting friends on the beach or watching the solar eclipse.

"The weather may be hot, but the sea remains cold and conditions can change quickly. Please take care in and around the water, look out for friends and family, stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun and follow advice from lifeguards and seafront staff."

Keep safe in the heat

Hot weather can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Everyone is encouraged to:

• drink plenty of water throughout the day
• avoid excessive alcohol, especially in hot weather
• seek shade during the hottest part of the day
• wear loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• apply sunscreen regularly
• carry a reusable water bottle and use the city's drinking water fountains and refill points
• check on older relatives, neighbours and anyone who may be vulnerable to the heat

Children can become overheated quickly and may not recognise when they have had too much sun, so adults should make sure they stay protected. 

Stay cool during the hot weather with this list of cool places across the city where you can take a break from the heat, including splash pads, parks, libraries and indoor spaces. 

Sea safety

People often head into the water to cool down, but the sea can be dangerous, even on warm days.

Visitors are advised to:

• swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are present
• supervise children at all times near the water's edge
• never enter the sea after drinking alcohol
• check weather conditions and tide times before swimming
• stay within your depth and swim parallel to the shore
• avoid using inflatables when the wind is blowing offshore, as they can quickly be blown out to sea
• call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in an emergency

Brighton & Hove's coastline has strong tides, powerful waves and a steep shingle beach. 

The sea can become deep very quickly and cold water shock remains a risk even during hot weather. Follow RNLI and our seafront safety advice. 

Safety during A level celebrations

With many young people expected to celebrate their results on Thursday, the council is encouraging everyone to look after themselves and their friends.

Parents and carers are urged to be aware of their teenager’s plans and make sure they share key safety advice, know how they’re getting home and pack essential items.

If you're celebrating:

• stay with your group and look out for each other
• drink water regularly throughout the day and evening
• be aware that alcohol increases the risk of dehydration and accidents in hot weather
• never enter the sea after drinking alcohol or taking drugs
• know how you will get home safely

Anyone who sees someone in difficulty in the water should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately. 

Watching the solar eclipse safely

People gathering to watch the solar eclipse are reminded never to look directly at the sun.

Looking at the sun without appropriate eclipse viewing equipment can cause serious and permanent eye damage.

People planning to view the eclipse should:

• use certified solar eclipse glasses that meet recognised safety standards
• supervise children carefully
• avoid using sunglasses as a substitute 
• continue taking precautions against heat and sun exposure while waiting outdoors

For more advice on how to watch the solar eclipse safely, and how to make your own projector project, visit the UKHSA website. 

Enjoy our seafront safely

The council, RNLI lifeguards and seafront teams will be working throughout the busy period to help keep residents and visitors safe.

Visit our website for sea safety and staying safe in the heat information or visit UK Health Security Agency and NHS websites.