A 51-year-old man has died after being pulled from the sea at a popular Brighton beach on New Year's Day, Sussex Police have confirmed.
Emergency Response at Brighton Palace Pier
Sussex Police were alerted at 10.35am on Thursday, 1 January 2026, after the swimmer, who was from Kettering in Northamptonshire, was recovered from the water. The incident occurred west of the iconic Brighton Palace Pier.
A police spokeswoman stated that the man was brought to shore and received immediate medical attention. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. The coroner has been notified, and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A Pattern of Winter Swimming Dangers
This fatal incident follows another recent tragedy involving open water swimming. On Christmas Day, two men disappeared after entering the sea at Budleigh Salterton in Devon. Matthew Upham, 63, and another man in his 40s had reportedly gone into the water to help a woman in distress.
While several people were rescued from the rough conditions that day and were checked by paramedics, the two men were not found. Devon & Cornwall Police continue to investigate their disappearance.
RNLI Issues Stark Cold Water Warning
In light of these serious incidents, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has reiterated vital safety guidance. The charity warns of the significant risks posed by cold water shock, which can affect anyone entering water at 15C or below.
This advice is especially critical during the winter months. The average sea temperature around the UK and Ireland currently ranges between a chilling 6C and 10C, with temperatures set to drop further until around March.
Gareth Morrison, head of water safety for the RNLI, said: "We know this time of year many people take part in festive and new year dips, or continue regular winter swims. We urge anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations."
He emphasised that the combined effects of cold water, weather conditions, and any personal health issues must be taken seriously. "If it's your first time in open water, we'd recommend you speak to your GP first, particularly for those with cardiac or underlying health conditions," Morrison added.
The RNLI's safety message serves as a sobering reminder of the powerful and often underestimated forces of nature, even at well-known beaches like Brighton.
