Critics say the regulations would be more dangerous for windsurfers

Under the rules, powered craft, sailing boats and windsurfers could enter the water in six access channels between Brighton Marina and Hove Lagoon.

But they would have to stay 200m out to sea other than launching or landing.

Some sea users say it would increase accidents and be more dangerous for windsurfers but the council says the bylaws are standard practice in the UK.

This proposal is all about safety Gill Mitchell, Brighton and Hove City Council

There are concerns windsurfers, jetskiers and boat users would have to share narrower sections of the sea if the rules were put in place and cause more accidents.

The Brighton and Hove City Council regulations state about half the beachfront between the piers would be available for craft such as dinghies and windsurfers to enter the water.

Environment councillor Gill Mitchell said: "This proposal is all about safety.

"Sailing craft such as windsurfers can easily kill a swimmer or cause them to become unconscious and drown.

Based on guidelines

"There are still plenty of wide areas along the shore where windsurfers and sailors can launch."

But Bill Jenman, from Brighton Explorers Club, said: "I don't think the proposals would make the place safer.

"You give more access to motorboats to the beach which is the principle cause of danger to swimmers, and they force windsurfers to go 200m off shore which will be very dangerous to them."

Mr Jenman said they were also concerned about the lack of consultation over the bylaws, which are due to be discussed by the council on Thursday.

In a statement the council said: "We consulted about 30 local, regional and national bodies including those representing swimmers and windsurfers.

"These proposals which are becoming standard practice around the UK coast are an attempt to separate windsurfers and other potentially fast craft from swimmers."

The council said the bylaws were based on guidelines issued by RoSPA and the Royal Life Saving Society.

Previously bathing areas were marked by buoys in Brighton whereas in Hove, boating lanes were marked.