A 51-year-old man has died after getting into difficulty during a New Year's Day swim in the sea off Brighton Beach.
Emergency Response at Brighton Palace Pier
The man, who was from Kettering in Northamptonshire, was pulled from the water west of Brighton Palace Pier at approximately 10.35am on Thursday, 1 January 2026. Despite receiving immediate medical attention from emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Sussex Police spokeswoman confirmed the tragic outcome. "A 51-year-old man from Kettering was brought to shore and received medical attention. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed," she said. The force added that the coroner had been notified and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A Pattern of Winter Swimming Tragedies
This incident follows another recent tragedy involving open water swimming. On Christmas Day, two men disappeared after entering the water in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, reportedly to assist a woman in difficulty. Matthew Upham, 63, and another man in his 40s were not located after the incident, according to Devon & Cornwall Police.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a stark warning about the specific dangers of swimming in UK coastal waters during the winter months. They highlight the significant risk of cold water shock in temperatures of 15°C or below, a condition exacerbated by current poor weather conditions.
RNLI Urges Swimmers to Understand the Risks
Gareth Morrison, head of water safety for the RNLI, emphasised the hazards. "We know this time of year many people take part in festive and new year dips, or continue to take part in regular winter swims. We are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations," he stated.
Morrison provided crucial context about sea temperatures, noting they are at their coldest during this period and will continue to drop, reaching their lowest point around March. The average sea temperature around the UK and Ireland at this time of year is between 6°C and 10°C.
The RNLI's safety advice is clear and direct:
- Be acutely aware of the dangers of cold water shock.
- Meticulously check sea and weather conditions before entering.
- Honestly assess your own capabilities and limitations.
- Consider the combined effects of cold water, weather, and any personal health issues.
Morrison offered specific guidance for newcomers to open water swimming: "If it’s your first time in open water, we’d recommend you speak to your GP first, particularly for those with cardiac or underlying health conditions."
The death in Brighton serves as a sombre reminder of the very real and present dangers associated with entering cold open water, even for those participating in traditional or celebratory swims.
