Swimmer, 51, dies after getting into difficulty in sea on New Year’s Day
A 51-year-old man died after being rescued from the sea by emergency services off the coast of Brighton on New Year’s Day, police said.
Crews were called to the water west of Brighton Palace Pier at 10.35am on Thursday after the Kettering swimmer was pulled to shore after getting into trouble in the water.
Sussex Police confirmed the man, whose name has not been released, died at the scene. Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A police spokesman said: “A 51-year-old man from Kettering was brought to shore and received medical attention. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been notified.
“The coroner has been notified and the death is not being treated as suspicious.”
The man’s death comes after Matthew Upham, 63, and another man disappeared while swimming in the Devon seaside town of Budleigh Salterton on Christmas Day.
Mr Upham and the man in his 40s were reported missing after going into the water to help a woman in distress.
A large emergency services presence was seen after scores of people were rescued from the stormy water, but Mr Upham and the man have not been located, according to Devon and Cornwall Police.
Mr Upham’s heartbroken family paid tribute to the 63-year-old, who they said was “deeply loved and will be forever missed”.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a warning about the effects of cold water shocks, urging people to “be aware of the dangers” and “understand their own limitations”.
Gareth Morrison, the RNLI’s head of water safety, said: “We know that at this time of year many people take part in festive and new year dives or continue to take part in their normal winter swims.
“We urge anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and understand their own limits.
“Sea temperatures are still falling, reaching their coldest around March; the effects of cold water, along with weather conditions and personal health concerns, should be taken seriously before venturing into the sea.
“If this is your first time offshore, we recommend speaking to your doctor first, especially for those with heart or underlying health conditions.”
