What a shame that the swimmers who went into the sea on Christmas day, in conditions which were obviously dangerous, did not spare a thought for the lives of those who had to enter the water to save them.

And these are people who live beside the sea and who should know better its force and the dangers it can pose.

Although I was not at the event, I have attended on other occasions and I know that it can attract a sizeable crowd which no doubt encourages those foolhardy enough to swim.

It brings to mind the Oxford tradition when students leap from Magdalen Bridge on May day morning. This is a dangerous tradition but one which crowds still turn up to see, which always encourages someone to make the plunge from the bridge into the shallow river beneath.

I suggest next year if Brighton Swimming Club makes the decision that the sea is too rough or too dangerous they should put up signs to that effect. In this way they can exonerate themselves from any mishaps and also discourage spectators from hanging around encouraging swimmers to enter the sea.

I think it is a wonderful spectacle and I would not like to see it banned or any conditions imposed on it but when people are put at risk by having to rescue the foolhardy, I think we should ensure that in future there is not a terrible mishap which would spoil the Christmas period for everyone.

  • Danielle Simons, London Road, Uckfield