A petition has been launched to save Brighton’s lifeguards amid fears funding cuts will end in tragedy.

Brighton and Hove City Council has proposed a £100,000 cut to lifeguard services in the city as it tries to balance this year’s budget in the face of a £14 million shortfall.

Proposals, which are set to be discussed and voted on next week, would mean the number of lifeguard stations reduced from seven plus three in the summer holidays to just four plus three in the summer holidays.

More than 1,500 people have registered their anger at the plans by signing the petition on Change.org titled “save our savers”.

Petitioners fear the withdrawal of lifeguards will "significantly" increase the danger of drowning.

“It is highly likely that West Hove, Saltdean, Rottingdean and Ovingdean will see no lifeguard service in 2023 if the council plans are allowed to pass unchallenged,” the petition said.

“Only four lifeguard stations are predicted to open in May (down from seven) if the proposed cuts are passed by the council on February 23.

“Brighton Pier, Albion Beach, West Street and King Alfred are reprieved for this year, but beachfront managers fear further station closures are likely in the near future as the service is viewed by the council as 'non essential' despite council papers warning of an 'potential increased risk to public safety'.

“Lifeguard managers know the withdrawal of lifeguards will significantly increase the danger of drowning because vital preventative advice, and early detection and reaction will be lost.

“Seafront managers dispute claims that similar size beach resorts are run in the same way. Bournemouth for example, is planning ten lifeguard stations in 2023, Brighton beaches are significantly busier.

“Managers fear a tragic event like Camber Sands in which five people drowned following poorly considered lifeguard withdrawal on cost grounds.”

A council spokesman said no decisions have been made yet about the lifeguards for this summer or in the future and that no permanent member of lifeguard staff is at risk of losing their job.

A council spokesman said: “On 23 February councillors will set our budget for next year under some of the most challenging financial circumstances we've faced as a city.

“We’ve lost more than £100 million in government funding over the last 12 years and are currently facing a funding shortfall of around £14 million.

“This means we will have to take some very difficult decisions.

“The current proposals would see more than £30 million invested in key services. But there will be some extremely difficult decisions to make on other areas of spending.

“We would emphasise that no decisions have been taken regarding funding for our lifeguards' team for this summer and in future years.

“No permanent members of staff are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of the budget proposal.

“We’re doing everything we can to protect vital council services. But we have a legal duty to agree a balanced budget.

“Councillors on our tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee are due to consider a report considering future lifeguard service options when they meet in March.”