When is the Brighton Christmas Day swim taking place 2023?

Widely accepted as the oldest established Christmas sea swim, people have been turning up on Brighton's shoreline on Christmas Day to enter the waters since 1860.

The event is not organised by any particular group but still manages to bring in hundreds of spectators and participants every year.

Here's what time the event is expected to take place in 2023, plus other bits of information such as how to swim safely in cold water.

Swimmers often enjoy a hot drink or glass of champagne after coming out of the sea (Image: Andrew Gardner)

What time will Brighton's Christmas Day swim 2023 take place?

Like in previous years the Brighton Christmas Day swim is expected to take place around 11am.

Some people often take to the sea wearing Santa hats and enjoy hot drinks and champagne once they get out.

How to swim safely in open water

The sea is likely to be very cold on Christmas Day so it is important to acclimatise.

On the RNLI website it says: When you go open water swimming, it’s very important to enter the water slowly and allow time for your body to get used to the cold. Never jump or dive straight in, as this could cause cold water shock.

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"To help yourself acclimatise, splash the cold water on your neck and face. Try not to hold your breath for an extended time when you first get into the water."

They also recommend staying within your depths and swimming parallel to the shore to be safe.

Ahead of the Brighton Christmas Day swim in 2022 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.”