Observer comment (August 3rd): Swimming and drinking simply doesn't mix

A Londoner who took it into his head to swim to France while, as Sussex folk say, he was “concerned in liquor” inevitably got into serious difficulties and was all but dead when locals spotted him face down in the sea.

Risking their own safety, for the man was some distance from the shore, the way in which they effected a rescue is heart-warming stuff, and shows that when the moment comes, there are still people prepared to step forward to help a fellow human being.

They did, as a police constable at the scene later remarked, “everything we expect from the community-spirited residents of Bexhill”.

So well done, well done indeed, to all involved.

But the same officer also made the point that drinking and swimming don’t mix, adding that the man who was rescued was obviously not thinking about what he was doing.

Whether or not he has learned his lesson, or even if he himself was grateful to those who saved him, may never be known, as after being patched up in hospital the man discharged himself and disappeared.

Yet there is still a lesson to be drawn by everyone who lives by, or who visits the coast - the sea must never be treated with anything but the utmost respect.

It stirs the soul and on a hot sunny day can be bliss.

But even wearing its brightest blue it can trap the unwary, and in an instant maim or kill.

The risks are raised incalculably when booze or bravado are factored in, and it is vital that this message is received and understood.

Just like those for whom “car” stupidly follows “bar”, there is no doubt the misguided belief that “it’ll never happen to me”.

But it can, it can - and for our Cockney friend it almost did.

Next time we’re drawn to the drink, be it briny or beer, let’s all of us just think on a bit.