Pett Level Independent
Rescue Boat

Proud to be INDEPENDENT since 1970

PLIRB was founded in 1970 and received charity status in 1971. We serve the local coastline and inland waters between Camber and Hastings.

We operate from a custom-built boathouse and crew room in Pett Level, East Sussex. Our base is home to our lookout / control room, our two RIB rescue boats and our launch vehicle.

We operate 24/7 and 365 days a year – our volunteer crew are always on call.

We are a completely INDEPENDENT lifeboat service and not affiliated to RNLI or UK Coastguard. We receive NO public funding and are entirely self-funded and self-managed.

Proud to serve with local emergency services

We work in close collaboration with our neighbouring RNLI stations, HM Coastguard, Coastguard Helicopter, Police, Ambulance and other emergency services.

We train twice a week, all year round, to ensure we are prepared, skilled, competent and confident to effectively and professionally deal with any incident we are tasked to support.

We have a fantastic response time of under 15 minutes, day or night, thanks to our local volunteer base.

We provide the same vital emergency lifeboat services as the RNLI –  but operate entirely independently.

Proud to serve our local community

As an independent lifeboat charity, we are proud to be a member of the National Independent Lifeboat Association.

Like other independent lifeboats, we receive no public or central funding and are responsible for raising all our own funds.

On average, our volunteers donate over 14,000 hours a year in training, taskings, maintenance, fundraising and other operational activities,

We rely on the generous donations from our community and local organisations, grants and fundraising events and activities. Every volunteer gets involved in helping PLIRB to generate the funds we need to operate and train.

Beach safety: Be mindful of cliff slips

Take extreme care when walking along the beach at Cliff End. The cliffs are subject to frequent, dangerous slips and rock falls which can happen at any time. There are very noticeable cliff falls with piles of rocks and debris on the beach.

Avoid walking too close under the cliff face and do not sit where there is clear evidence of a rock fall. It is advisable not to sit anywhere close to the cliffs – no matter how peaceful and idyllic it appears.

Do not attempt to climb over rocks and debris that has fallen from the cliffs – they will be loose and uneven and could result in injury.

Beach safety: Watch for hidden hazards

The beach is generally very clean and perfectly safe for walking. However, the tide can bring in any manner of hazardous object that can get lodged under the shingle or sand and cause a potential hazard.

It is recommended to keep footwear on if walking on unfamiliar areas and keep a lookout for any object that may be protruding.

If you spot a hazard, it is advisable not to touch in case it causes an injury or is harmful.

Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you are concerned about a hazard that you think presents an issue to the public.

Beach safety: Take care of soft mud at low tide

Low tide exposes vast stretches of sand which look very inviting to walk on. However, this sand can be extremely soft or may actually be large patches of thick mud.

The soft sand and mud can quickly sink beneath your feet and can be very difficult to get out of.

If walking at low tide, always check that the sand you are walking on is firm and ideally dry. If it looks grey, or is shiny/oily in appearance then it is likely to be very soft and muddy – avoid walking through this unless you are completely confident. Even when the tide is flooding, the surface under the water can be very soft – it is easy to miss your footing and fall.

This also applies to pets – please try to keep them safe from the soft mud. If your pet gets in difficulty, call 999 and ask for Coastguard assistance. Do not put yourself in a position of danger.

Beach safety: Watch for fast incoming tides

When the tide turns it can come in very rapidly.

Always check the local tide timetable before visiting the beach – whether walking, swimming or on a day out. Tide timetables are available online and at many local outlets.

At low tide it is possible to walk under the cliffs between Pett Level and Hastings – however an incoming tide will swiftly cut the route off. Only start out on a walk if you are completely confident and sure of the tide times and allow yourself sufficient time. Never start to walk the route if the tide is incoming.

If spending a day on the beach, be aware of your location – when the tide comes in you may need to move further up the beach.

Beach safety: Take care on the rocks

At low tide, the exposed rocks are great for exploring small pools and inlets of water that have an abundance of marine life.

However, these rocks can become slippery and potentially covered in seaweed or mud. They may be subject to movement at any time and may have concealed hazards.

If you are walking over the rocks, it is recommended that you wear appropriate footwear and avoid running or jumping.

Be mindful that the rocks can also hide other hazards – anything from fishing wire and hooks to washed up debris.

Beach safety: Observe these guidelines

There is nothing better than visiting the beach for a walk, swim, picnic or day out.

BUT – please be mindful of all the potential hazards and take care to follow safety guidelines.

• • Always check tide times, wind and weather conditions.
  • Don’t swim unless you are confident to do so.
  • Always avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
  • If alone, let someone know where you are.