Many readers have been right about Brighton’s Christmas Day sea swim – the council can’t actually ban it.

There are eight miles of beach and we can’t fence it all off and we don’t want to.

What we’re trying to do, supported by Brighton Swimming Club and the emergency services, is send a clear message that it has become too dangerous.

The club initially requested the beach was closed.

It is no longer the event of tradition, when only experienced sea swimmers from the club took part.

It has become so large, with hundreds taking to the water, that it cannot be staged or staffed without the serious risk of an accident. The water is eight degrees and could be very rough. The risk of drowning or incidents caused by cold water shock or hypothermia and alcohol are very real.

People taking part not only risk themselves. They also risk the lives of anyone who might be expected to try to rescue them.

Having lifeguards on the beach implies it is fine to enter the water, which we strongly recommend against. This could encourage even more novices, under the illusion they will be safe.

It cannot be appropriate to require lifeguards or the RNLI to risk their own lives rescuing people who have chosen to enter freezing seas in fancy dress.

Ian Shurrock Head of sport and leisure Brighton & Hove City Council