SEAFRONT bosses have been accused of “nanny state” behaviour by trying to prevent one of the city’s great Christmas traditions.

Brighton and Hove City Council has announced it will take measures to try and dissuade swimmers from having a Christmas morning dip in the sea by taping off part of the seafront.

But health campaigner and sea swimmer John Kapp has hit back saying the council’s approach was misguided and unlikely to succeed.

The 81-year-old said he put his own good health down to the invigorating qualities of a dip in the sea whatever the season.

The council’s seafront officers are urging residents and visitors to stay away from the water this winter.

Concerns have been raised that the recent mild weather had drawn more people onto the beaches with many getting dangerously close to the crashing waves.

The authority said it will once again be taking extra measures to discourage swimmers from taking a Christmas Day dip by closing access to the beaches around Brighton Pier.

Mr Kapp said: “I would say that’s a stupid idea, I would say that is counter-productive to health.

“More than 300 years ago a doctor said sea swimming was beneficial to health and it’s the reason the Prince Regent came here.

“I don’t think anybody will take any notice, you cannot fence off the beach, you cannot stop people going in.

“This is the nanny state, they should have better things to do.”

Seafront operations manager Chris Ingall said: “The continuing mild weather has meant that, as with last year, the seafront has been much busier than in previous winters.

“It’s been great to see so many people enjoying a stroll on the promenade and its good news for seafront businesses, but we would ask people to stay on the path or high up on the beach, especially when the sea conditions are rough.

“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 a friend.

“Even on a calm day sea currents, undertow or a sudden change in weather can create life threatening hazards without warning. Even experienced swimmers can get caught out.”