Brighton Christmas Day swim cancelled again over safety fears
The annual Christmas Day swim in the sea in Brighton has been cancelled because of concerns about safety.
A message from Brighton and Hove City Council seafront development manager Toni Manuel on the Brighton Swimming Club website said: “Following the last few days of severe weather and the ongoing forecast for unsettled conditions the council has taken the decision to close the beaches adjacent to the Brighton Swimming Club and the location where swimmers from the Club traditionally take their Christmas Day swim.
“The decision has not been made lightly but in view of the tragic drowning incident over the weekend as well as the storm debris which is both in the sea and on the beaches this seems the only sensible option.
“We appreciate that this will come as a great disappointment to the swimming club members.
“However, as there is a real risk to anyone entering the water, the council would appreciate the club’s cooperation in this matter.
“The Seafront Team will put up signage to inform the public of the temporary closure and give safety advice regarding sea conditions.
“We want the public to enjoy the beach but safety is a top priority.
“As you are aware, there is no beach lifeguard service in operation during the winter months and with the added dangers of cold water and rough conditions we are keen to ensure the public keep safe and away from the water.”
The council said on its website: “The weather is forecast to remain mostly wet and windy over the Christmas week, meaning dangerous conditions in the sea for both novice and experienced swimmers.
“As there is a high risk to anyone going into the water, the beach will be closed on (Wednesday) 25 December at the site where traditionally members of Brighton Swimming Club have swum on Christmas Day.
“The seafront team are putting up signs to inform the public of the temporary closure and give safety advice regarding the conditions.
“Sea swimming takes skill, stamina and knowledge of the physical dangers.
“Even on a calm day, sea currents, undertow or a sudden change in weather can create life-threatening hazards without warning.”
Seafront operations manager Viki Miller said: “The conditions are already hazardous and, although it can be tempting to have a quick swim in the sea at Christmas, it’s not worth putting yourself at risk.
“The temperature of the sea at this time of year is extremely cold and you can be caught out by strong currents or debris churned up by the storms.
“We will give people advice about safety as the weather is forecast to remain windy over Christmas and the beach will be closed on 25 December.
“We want people to be able to enjoy the beach, but safety is a top priority.”
The council said: “Our seafront team monitors the sea conditions but there is no beach lifeguard service in operation during the winter months.
“The seafront team’s winter water facts show why it is better to stay on the shore rather than in the water at this time of year.”
They included
- Sea temperatures in the winter months are about 5C and can be even colder.
- The wind chill makes the air temperature seem colder than the sea. Even on an apparently clear sunny day, the sea temperature can drop body temperature quickly and fatally.
- It only takes a few minutes for the body’s core temperature to drop by two degrees and for the onset of hypothermia to begin.
- It is never safe to go into the sea after drinking alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol speeds up the onset of hypothermia in cold water. Drinking also reduces your capabilities. You may also think you are a better swimmer than your true ability and take unnecessary risks.
The Christmas Day swim was also cancelled last year because of weather-related concerns.
When the swim was cancelled in 2007, several people went in the water anyway.
About a dozen of them had to be rescued from the rough conditions. Some were treated for the signs of hypothermia.
