A man has tragically died after entering the sea at Brighton in a brave attempt to rescue a woman who was in difficulty.
Tragic Incident on New Year's Day
Sussex Police were alerted at 10.35am on Thursday, 1st January, after the swimmer was recovered from the water to the west of Brighton Palace Pier. The man, aged 51 and from Kettering in Northamptonshire, was brought to shore where he received immediate medical attention.
A police spokesperson confirmed the sad outcome: "Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. The coroner has been informed, and the death is not being treated as suspicious."
A Pattern of Winter Water Dangers
This fatality follows closely the disappearance of two men during a Christmas Day swim in Devon. Matthew Upham, 63, and another man in his 40s went missing after entering the water at Budleigh Salterton to help a woman reported to be in difficulty.
Devon & Cornwall Police stated that while several people were rescued from the stormy conditions that day and checked by paramedics, the two men were not found.
RNLI Issues Stark Cold Water Warning
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has issued urgent safety advice following these incidents. The charity highlights that the effects of cold water shock, combined with winter weather, pose a severe risk in water temperatures of 15C or below.
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 are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations."
He emphasised the particular risks at this time of year: "With the sea temperatures still dropping and reaching their coldest around March, the effects of cold water, combined with weather conditions and any personal health issues, should be taken seriously before venturing in."
The RNLI recommends that anyone new to open water swimming, particularly those with cardiac or underlying health conditions, should consult their GP first.
The average sea temperature around the UK and Ireland during winter is between 6C and 10C, conditions which can swiftly lead to cold water shock and incapacitation even for strong swimmers.
