The work of the RNLI’s lifeguards protecting the beaches of Hastings has been recognised by the town’s council.

Hastings Borough Council has formally written to its Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to thank them for their lifesaving work in 2019.

At its March meeting, one of the last before COVID-19 stopped regular council meetings, the charity committee received a report on the 2019 lifeguard season. 

Chair of the committee Cllr Sue Beaney explained: “We were very impressed at what our RNLI lifeguards achieved in 2019. They rescued four people, assisted 16, performed major first aid on five casualties and minor first aid on 22. In addition some 14,230 members of the public were engaged with on ‘preventative actions’.

“In addition, and most notably, our lifeguards saved four lives in Hastings. so without their intervention, four people would have drowned here. This is something we are incredibly proud of and so the leader of the council. I have written to the area lifesaving manager at the RNLI thanking him for all his lifeguard team achieved in 2019.”

Council leader Cllr Kim Forward added: “Only a few weeks ago we invited our local Hastings Lifeboat crew into our council chamber to thank them for their heroic efforts to locate a surfer during Storm Ciara. The video of their attempted landing in storm force 12 winds made the national news. And now we are recognising their lifeguard colleagues for saving four lives, among many other rescues, during 2019.

“We are incredibly lucky to be served by such dedicated teams of lifeboat crew and lifeguards here in Hastings, and I would like to add my sincere thanks for all that they do.”