Council warns against Christmas Day dip

The council said it will once again be taking extra measures to discourage swimmers from taking a Christmas Day dip by closing access to the beaches around Brighton Pier.

Chris Ingall, seafront operations manager, said: “Sea swimming takes skill, stamina and knowledge of the physical dangers and should only be for the very experienced, using suitable wetsuits, in very calm conditions and with a friend.

“Even on a calm day sea currents, undertow or a sudden change in weather can create life threatening hazards without warning. Even experienced swimmers can get caught out.”

He said the recent mild weather has drawn more people onto the beaches, many getting dangerously close to the crashing waves.

Warning swimmers to stay out of the sea this winter, Mr Ingall, said: “The continuing mild weather has meant that, as with last year, the seafront has been much busier than in previous winters. It’s been great to see so many people enjoying a stroll on the promenade and its good news for seafront businesses, but we would ask people to stay on the path or high up on the beach, especially when the sea conditions are rough.

“Please keep a close eye on children and hold their hand when on the beach. Do not allow children to play ‘chicken’ with the surf washing up the beach – we see this regularly on big winter surf days and this is precisely how people become washed out to sea. Parents need to take greater responsibility and keep little ones close at all times when visiting the beach.”

Dog owners were also advised to keep their pets on leads and away from the shoreline.

For more advice on safety on the seafront, click here.