Thousands flock to beach at Camber as heatwave hits

The heatwave led to the first truly busy spell of the year at the popular tourist hot spot.

Sunday saw 25,000 sun seekers hit the beach – five times the population of Rye.

Rother officers worked with colleagues from the police and coastguard to successfully look after the vast numbers of people at the beach.

21 missing children were reunited with their families over the course of the weekend, which also saw 14 first aid incidents and four call outs for the lifeboat.

Council contractors worked tirelessly through Sunday evening and during Monday to remove litter and keep the beach in good condition.

Rother District Council coastal control officer Rob Cass said: “The first busy weekend of the season created the usual challenges.

“The sheer numbers of people mean we have to be on our game and alert to any risks. The vast majority of people go home having had a great time, thanks to the efforts of Council officers, the police and coastguard.

“Camber is a great place to visit as long as people act sensibly and stay safe.”

The weekend also saw Operation Radcott put through it’s paces. The Rye Police operation, which has been running during the summer months for a number of years, is a joint initiative between Rother District Council policing the beach to keep the public safe , deal with missing children and acting on reports of crime .

Rye police sergeant Warren Downs said: “There is also the need to look after the villagers of Camber whom become swamped with holidaymakers and there is an element of inconsiderate or unlawful parking.

“A Section 59 order was issued by police to a group who drove onto beach at Jurys Gap with jetski on tow. We also had to get involved when they moved on to Rye Harbour.

“Rother, police and coastguard staff all worked tirelessly over the weekend, under some difficult conditions, to manage missing children situation and deal with other incidents, including a young child with breathing difficulties. Paramedics attended.

“Illegally parked vehicles were dealt with as best as our priorities allowed.”