Spend a summer day on Seaford Beach and you may see the lifeguards watching from the shore, patrolling along the seafront or preparing one of their rescue boats.
What is less obvious is just how much work this team of volunteers does behind the scenes to help keep the beach safer for residents and visitors.
Seaford Lifeguards have been operating since 1970, when the service was established in response to the particular challenges of Seaford's stepped shingle beach and its onshore breaking waves.
More than 50 years later, the organisation continues to be run by volunteers.
The lifeguards' patrolling season runs from the first weekend in May until the last weekend in September.
During the season, volunteers patrol at weekends and on bank holidays, normally from 10am until 6pm and sometimes later when the number of people remaining on the beach makes it necessary.
A static lookout operates opposite Dane Road and, when enough team members are available, another post can be operated at Martello Tower.
There is also a mobile patrol covering the coastline from Splash Point towards the East Arm at Newhaven, while a rescue boat and crew can be kept ready for immediate launch.
The team also has access to first aid equipment, oxygen and a defibrillator.
Water rescue is only one part of their work.
The beach support team inspects, cares for and maintains lifesaving equipment along the coastline, with inspections taking place throughout the year.
Volunteers also help visitors understand the seasonal beach bylaws, including the areas where dogs must be kept off the beach or on leads.
They monitor watercraft entering seasonal no-boat areas and can use marine radio, loudhailers, whistles and, when necessary, a rescue boat to make contact.
Then there are the less predictable jobs.
Broken glass needs removing before somebody stands on it. First aiders may find themselves helping someone who has been caught by a fishhook. Volunteers advise people about the dangers associated with beach barbecues and deal with hazards and unusual objects that wash ashore.
Patrols around Seaford Head also allow the team to identify and report signs of cliff erosion.
It means that no 2 days on patrol are necessarily the same.
Being part of Seaford Lifeguards is not dependent on arriving with all the necessary skills.
Annual training and lifeguard requalification begin ahead of each new season, while members of the beach support team can receive training including first aid, boat launching and recovery and driving all-terrain vehicles.
The organisation has also been affiliated with Surf Life Saving GB since 2000, reflecting the type of work its volunteers undertake and the training standards required.
Maintaining the service requires people as well as equipment.
Seaford Lifeguards operate from their headquarters at the Salts Recreation Ground, alongside a boathouse containing their vehicles and inshore rescue boats and an additional Martello Base on the esplanade.
Although the organisation receives support towards some of its work, it remains a registered charity and depends upon grants, donations and other fundraising to meet its wider running costs.
Most importantly, it depends upon volunteers being willing to give their time.
And that is why Seaford Lifeguards are currently looking for more people to join them.
There are opportunities for people aged 14 and over to become Lifeguard Support volunteers, helping the team and learning skills connected with lifeguarding.
From age 16, volunteers can train towards becoming a certified lifeguard.
Full training is provided, so you do not need to arrive knowing how to launch a rescue boat or patrol a beach. You need to be willing to learn and become part of the team helping look after Seaford's coastline.
If you would like to find out what is involved in volunteering with Seaford Lifeguards, email:
recruiting.seafordlifeguards@gmail.com
You can also contact Seaford Lifeguards on 01323 895554.
