What happened to the swimmer near Brighton Palace Pier?

A 51-year-old man was pulled from the water and pronounced dead at the scene on Thursday.

What are the dangers of cold water swimming according to the RNLI?

The RNLI warns of cold water shock, advising swimmers to check conditions and know their limits.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Swimmer Dies After Brighton Pier Rescue

Swimmer Dies After Brighton Pier Rescue

Q: Has there been another recent drowning incident in the UK?

Yes, two men are missing after a Christmas Day swim in Budleigh Salterton, Devon.

2 Jan

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Summary

A 51-year-old man drowned near Brighton Palace Pier.
The death occurred on Thursday morning after a rescue attempt.
RNLI warns of cold water shock dangers during winter swims.

A man's life was tragically lost on Thursday morning after he was pulled from the water near Brighton Palace Pier. The 51-year-old swimmer, from Kettering, received medical attention at the scene but was sadly pronounced dead. Sussex Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious, and the coroner has been informed. This incident occurred following news of two men still missing after a Christmas Day swim in Budleigh Salterton, Devon.

Emergency services were engaged in a large-scale search after several people were rescued from stormy waters on Christmas Day. Matthew Upham, 63, and another man in his 40s, went missing after reportedly entering the water to assist a woman in difficulty. Mr. Upham's family have since paid tribute to him.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a vital warning about the perils of cold water shock. As sea temperatures continue to drop, reaching their coldest around March, the RNLI urges swimmers to be aware of the risks, assess sea conditions, and understand personal limitations. They advise speaking to a GP before winter swimming, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.