SWIMMING in the sea at this time of year can be challenging for the best of athletes – without having to contend with a large branch.

However, that didn’t put off Yvonne Luna, 58.

The Brighton Swimming Club member said: “The sea was rough and there was a massive branch in the water.

“I was just bringing it out for safety reasons as I was just about to go in to the sea.

“It was very big – about six feet long.

“It’s not something you would want to be hit over the head with when a wave lands on top of you. I was swimming on my own, so if got knocked out...”

The Kemp Town resident is usually on the other side of the camera.

The photographer has just opened art studio Swimming in Art in Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive.

Currently there is a photo gallery of sea swimmers.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/SwimminginArt