Brighton Christmas Day swim draws crowds despite cancellation

12:17pm Tuesday 25th December 2012 in News By

Paul Mansfield and son Fernando were ready in costume for the annual dip (photo Simon Dack) Paul Mansfield and son Fernando were ready in costume for the annual dip (photo Simon Dack)

Scores of Christmas Day revellers flocked to Brighton beach for the annual swim despite the event being cancelled.

Around 100 people gathered on the seafront to observe the traditional seaside plunge but were left disappointed when nobody entered the water.

The festive dip normally sees members of Brighton Swimming Club braving cold weather and icy waters in front of hundreds of spectators.

But Brighton and Hove City Council said yesterday it will be closing the stretch of beach after warnings of high winds and strong tides.

A spokesman from the Seaside Office said: "Unfortunately the swim was cancelled and safety barriers were erected as a result. I'm pleased to say everybody took our advice and didn't enter the water."

Last year a drowning man was rescued on Brighton beach in similar conditions and in 2007, 12 people were rescued, again when the weather was windy with treacherous waves.

Related links

Comments(2)

BURIRAM says...
7:06am Thu 27 Dec 12

Should have read the argus online before a wasted journey, The Seafront offices did the right thing by closing the beach for safety of everyone.

Report this post »

whereisthe...? says...
3:24pm Thu 27 Dec 12

"Crowd of 100 - but nobody swam, and warnings had been issued in papers, etc" Hahaa shows what idiots Brightonions are.

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree