Christmas Day swimmers braved the sea this morning in the return of the annual festive swim.
Around 100 people plunged themselves into the water at around 11am on Brighton beach.
The water was a cool 11.2C, a slight increase on last year’s temperatures, although the sea was definitely rougher.
Lifeguards watched on to keep everyone safe as families splashed around and then enjoyed champagne and hot drinks on the beach.
Ben Watson was with his son Jacob Watson and said he goes with his children every year.
He said: “We’ve been coming here since the kids were born, we’ve lived here for eight years and it’s sort of our tradition.
“Initially just dipping our feet in the water, it’s quite a refreshing start to the morning.”
Nick Barnes, 53, is a seasoned swimmer and has been to a few Christmas Day swims.
He said: “I’m here to jump into the sea. It’s nuts. This is my fourth year, and it’s a thrilling way to wake up on a Christmas.
“I’ve got a couple of friends here and my family have retreated to the beach with towels.”
Even our reporter Andrew Gardner got to enjoy the waves.
He said: “I was prepared to get my feet a bit wet before a huge wave came in drenching everything below my waist.”
Luckily, his camera was not drenched in the process.
The event is not organised by any particular group, but still manages to bring in hundreds of spectators and participants every year.
Brighton and Hove City Council urged people to be careful with sea swimming ahead of today’s event.
Fabian Bull, Brighton and Hove City Council’s seafront officer, said: “As open water swimming has become more popular over the last few years, we are seeing more groups of swimmers gathering for winter swim sessions.
“Cold water 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 friends.”
Did you swim in the sea today? Make sure to email your pictures to george.carden@newsquest.co.uk and andrew.gardner@newsquest.co.uk
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