Residents and visitors to Rother are being encouraged to stay safe as temperatures soar during the third official heatwave of the year.
Rother District Council Leader, Cllr Doug Oliver, is urging people to enjoy the beautiful coastline and attractions the district has to offer while taking steps to protect themselves and their families in the hot weather.
Cllr Oliver is reminding people of the simple measures they can take to stay safe in the heat, while also helping to reduce traffic congestion and lessen the impact on the local environment.
“Sunny days are very welcome, not least because more residents and visitors will be out enjoying our district,” said Cllr Oliver. “They provide an enormous boost to our local economy, with many businesses seeing an increase in trade.
“However, we also want to keep people safe and remind them to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly and take breaks from the sun, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.”
The council leader is also urging people visiting the coast to stay safe in the sea. The warning comes after a number of incidents at Camber Sands this year, where people have had to be rescued or assisted after getting into difficulty outside the lifeguarded areas.
Cllr Oliver said: “For your safety, always swim between the red and yellow flags, where lifeguards are on duty and can respond quickly in an emergency.
“If you get into difficulty in the sea, float on your back, stay calm and raise one arm to signal for help. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Enjoy the water but respect it.”
More information on the locations of lifeguarded zones and the times when lifeguards are on duty can be found here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches
Cllr Oliver is also encouraging everyone to play their part in reducing congestion and protecting the environment throughout the summer and beyond.
“Unfortunately, popular destinations can experience issues such as heavy traffic, inconsiderate parking and littering,” he said. “If you are heading to our coast or one of our other popular attractions, please drive and park considerately. Where possible, consider car sharing or using public transport to help reduce congestion.
“And please use the bins provided. If they are full, take your litter home with you. By working together, we can help keep our district clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.”
Ends.
Published: 10th July 2026
