I was interested to read David Sawyers appears to believe that unless we 21st-Century sea swimmers brave the waves in a cognitively historical sense, we are missing out on the experience (Letters, June 1).

As a keen local sea swimmer myself, I certainly do not need to be aware of Oliver Goldsmith's essays or Mr and Mrs Thrales's exploits to enjoy my regular sea bathing to the full.

I agree becoming familiar with changing sea conditions provides great personal satisfaction, chiefly because the sea is never the same two days running.

Learning to respect and cope with its wilder moods becomes a life skill for those of us who willingly enter its embrace.

While a beach hut is not necessary to enjoying a sea swim, I wish him good luck in his search for one.

-Keith Marlton, Southwick