Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team

01/06/2026

Training Notice: Thursday 4th June 2026: 19:00 - 20:30

HM Coastguard & Sussex Police We will be conducting a joint training exercise on and under Shoreham Bridge (A259)

This exercise will help bolster our collaborative workings. Please do not be alarmed by emergency response on and under the bridge during these times.

22/05/2026

With a lovely warm Bank Holiday weekend predicted our local beaches will be busy.

Remember to stay safe, and hydrated whilst on the beach. Whilst the sun may be beaming down, the sea temperature remains a chilly 14 degrees Celsius so take care when entering the water.

If you see someone in trouble on the coast or out to sea, call 999 for the Coastguard.

For more advice see here: https://hmcoastguard.uk/coast

12/05/2026

🚨 Important Safety Notice – Marine Distress Flares 🚨

⚠️ Please do NOT leave unwanted marine distress flares at the Harbour Office ⚠️

Distress and signal flares are explosives and cannot be safely stored or handled at the Harbour Office. Leaving them here places staff, visitors, and the general public at serious risk.

Someone recently abandoned this collection in a bin bag outside the visitor's ablutions.

🚫 Abandoning or illegally dumping flares is a criminal offence
⚠️ Flares not only pose a fire risk, but also a significant projectile hazard which could injur or kill someone standing many metres away
✅ Only use approved flare disposal schemes or collection events
✅ For information on the safe disposal of flares see here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares

10/05/2026

Yesterday afternoon, the team was tasked to assist a person who had slipped and fallen whilst walking on the beach in Middleton On Sea.

The casualty had sustained a serious wrist injury. The team worked to stabilise the casualty and making them as comfortable as possible as well as carrying out a full assessment to check for any other injuries.

Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station was requested to assist by bringing pain relief equipment to the scene. Working together this enabled the teams to make the casualty more comfortable.

A short while later, the casualty was handed into the care of the ambulance service.
This incident highlights the importance of our casualty care skills and how they are vital to the service we provide. It also demonstrates the value of strong interoperability between emergency services, and how knowledge and understanding of our partner agencies’ equipment and capabilities can make a real difference when needed most.

03/05/2026

This week the team carried out a refresher training session on Time Expired Pyrotechnics (TEPs).

The exercise was based on a scenario involving multiple reported flares washed ashore. Team members assessed the situation and responded using established procedures and specialist equipment to safely secure the items for transport.

Marine flares can be extremely hazardous if found on the coast. If you come across anything that looks like a flare, do not touch it. Make a note of its location and call 999, asking for the Coastguard.

Please remember: it is illegal to dump expired flares or leave them at Coastguard stations. Guidance on safe disposal can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares

26/04/2026

06/04/2026

Tasked to reports of an object drifting off Littlehampton, the team quickly located a bright orange boat offshore.

On arrival, the vessel was found to be unoccupied, with no engine and no signs of recent use. Littlehampton RNLI were requested to assist and launched their D-Class lifeboat to investigate further.

Once alongside, crews confirmed the vessel was empty and identifying details were passed to Solent Coastguard. It was agreed the safest course of action was to tow the boat back into Littlehampton Harbour.

Two Coastguard officers, equipped in full water PPE, entered the water to assist lifeboat crews bringing the boat closer into shore and bailing out the vessel using. The vessel was then taken back out for a tow to be established. The team then relocated to the harbour to support with safely mooring the boat.

The small workboat/tender, named Izzy, had reportedly been pushed into the sea near Poole by kids. After four days drifting on the tide, it came to rest just offshore of Rustington. The owners were informed and by the time the vessel was in the harbour, were already on their way to recover it.

05/04/2026

Heading out for a coastal walk this bank holiday? 🚶

Make sure to check the tide times before you go.

Tides can catch you out by surprise. Water can rise quickly and cut you off, leaving you trapped in bays, coves, or on sandbanks.

Familiarise yourself with all the exit points and keep an eye out on which direction the tide is heading.

If you find yourself trapped by the tide, or in any coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

01/04/2026

💥 It may be April Fools’ Day, but flares are no joke.

Yesterday, our team responded to reports of potential flares found on the beach in Littlehampton.

Flares are designed for emergency situations to signal for help, but they contain small amounts of explosives and can be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly. From time to time, they may wash up on beaches or be discovered in public places.

If you come across a flare:
• Do not touch or move it
• Keep a safe distance
• Contact the Coastguard immediately

It is also important to remember that it is illegal to dump flares, whether on land or at sea. Safe and proper disposal is essential to protect both the public and the environment.

For information on the safe disposal of flares see here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/disposing-of-unwanted-marine-flares

For any emergency on the coast or out to sea call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.