District Dispatch - 29 July 2025

Living so close to the coast is really special, and it's easy to forget just how lucky we are to have such stunning scenery on our doorstep. Here at the council, we look after nine miles of foreshore stretching from Pagham to Chichester Harbours, including the beaches at Selsey, Bracklesham Bay, and East Wittering. West Wittering beach is also in our district, but it's privately managed by the West Wittering Estate, as is Cakeham Manor.

We want everyone to enjoy the coast and have a great time — but most importantly, we want to help people to stay safe. Our beaches are used for lots of activities, from swimming and sunbathing, to surfing, windsurfing, and walking. With so many people enjoying the space in different ways, it's important that we all look out for each other and share the space respectfully. To help keep residents and visitors safe, we've put together a Foreshores Code of Conduct and a range of Frequently Asked Questions, which you can find on our website on our Chichester District Council 'Coastal Recreation' page.

Keeping our beaches clean is something that everyone can help with. We regularly litter pick the beaches and we're very lucky to have individuals and groups who volunteer their time to keep the space tidy as well. If you're visiting the coast, please help us look after our environment by taking your rubbish home with you or putting it in a bin.

Our Foreshore Officer plays a key role in keeping the beaches safe, carrying out regular inspections and checking that safety equipment — such as life buoys and throw lines — are in good condition. Another important part of the job is raising awareness about beach safety. It's wonderful to be near the sea, but it's also important to understand how unpredictable it can be. Hazards such as rip tides can be really dangerous, especially near the harbours, and inflatables can quickly drift out to sea if there's an offshore wind.

That's why I wanted to share some simple but potentially life-saving advice from the RNLI. If you ever find yourself in trouble in the water, the key advice is to float. This helps keep your airways clear and saves energy. The RNLI recommends tilting your head back so that your ears are in the water, relaxing, and breathing normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability. The RNLI also say that it's okay if your legs sink as we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, you're in a better position to call for help or to swim to safety.

There's a brilliant video on the RNLI website (opens new window) that shows exactly what to do. I really encourage you to watch it and share it with your friends and family — it could save a life.

For those of you who enjoy sailing, especially around Chichester Harbour, please make sure you check the weather and sea conditions before heading out. It's also a good idea to register your boat with the Royal Yachting Association's (RYA) SafeTrx service (opens new window). This free service means that HM Coastguard and RYA have the right information to help you quickly should you get into difficulty.

Whatever you're planning, you can check the latest weather and tide information on the EasyTide Admiralty website (opens new window). You can also find lots of helpful information and advice on our Chichester District Council 'Coastal Recreation' page.

By taking a few simple steps, we can all help keep ourselves and others safe while enjoying everything our coastline has to offer. Take care and enjoy the summer!

Best wishes,

Councillor Jonathan Brown
Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy at Chichester District Council