Council accused of 'nanny state' antics by trying to ban a Christmas Day sea swim over health and safety concerns

Festive swimmers braved the chilly as they defied a 'nanny state' council who tried to ban them from having fun with their conventional Christmas Day dip within the sea. 

Each December 25 dozens of individuals hurl themselves into The Channel at Brighton, East Sussex, with a lot of them elevating cash for good causes.

Brighton and Hove Metropolis Council had sparked outrage after it tried to ban in the present day's plunge, saying it is too harmful.

The council stated it's going to 'take measures' to attempt to dissuade swimmers from having a Christmas morning dip - however a troop of courageous swimmers had been having none of it.

Swimmers dressed up in all their festive ware pose for by Brighton Pier

Chilly-hearted: Members of the Brighton Swimming Membership sprint from the ocean virtually instantly after getting in after their annual Christmas Day, which the authorities try to cancel

Festive swimmers braved the chilly as they defied a 'nanny state' council who tried to ban them from having fun with their conventional Christmas Day dip within the sea 

Each December 25 dozens of individuals hurl themselves into The Channel at Brighton, East Sussex, with a lot of them elevating cash for good causes

Native well being campaigner and sea swimmer John Kapp, 81, hit again forward of the large dip, saying the council's method was misguided and unlikely to succeed.

The veteran swimmer places his personal good well being all the way down to the invigorating qualities of a dip within the sea regardless of the season.

Hitting out on the ban, he stated: 'It is a silly thought, and I'd say it's counter-productive to well being.

'Greater than 300 years in the past a health care provider stated sea swimming was useful to well being and it is the explanation the Prince Regent got here right here.

'I do not suppose anyone will take any discover - you can not fence off the seashore, you can not cease individuals getting in.

'That is the nanny state, they need to have higher issues to do.'

The council's seafront officers are urging residents and guests to remain away from the water.

Elf and security gone mad: Brighton and Hove Metropolis Council try to ban the custom 

Swimmers received up additional early on Christmas morning to take a dip wearing tinsel and hats

Brighton and Hove Metropolis Council had sparked outrage after it tried to ban in the present day's plunge, saying it is too harmful

The council stated it's going to 'take measures' to attempt to dissuade swimmers from having a Christmas morning dip - however a troop of courageous swimmers had been having none of it

Issues have been raised that the current delicate climate has drawn extra individuals on to the seashores with many getting 'dangerously shut' to the waves.

The authority stated it will likely be taking steps to discourage swimmers from taking a Christmas Day dip by closing entry to the seashores round Brighton Pier.

Seafront operations supervisor Chris Ingall stated: 'The persevering with delicate climate has meant that, as with final 12 months, the seafront has been a lot busier than in earlier winters.

'It has been nice to see so many individuals having fun with a stroll on the promenade and its excellent news for seafront companies.

'However we'd ask individuals to remain on the trail or excessive up on the seashore, particularly when the ocean circumstances are tough.

'Sea swimming takes talent, stamina and data of the bodily risks and ought to solely be for the very skilled, utilizing appropriate wetsuits, in very calm circumstances and with a buddy.

'Even on a peaceful day sea currents, undertow or a sudden change in climate can create life threatening hazards with out warning. 

'Even skilled swimmers can get caught out.'

Bah humbug! The council says it's going to 'take measures' to attempt to dissuade swimmers from having a Christmas morning dip within the waves by taping off a part of the seafront

On social media, 'mark by the ocean' stated: 'Certainly it is higher that each one swimmers are in similar location? I additionally see that Hove is having a swim on the West Finish Cafe at 11am on Xmas day!

'And are the council going to say how a lot this blocking up of entrances to seashore going to value? 

'Once more cheaper to make use of two lifeguards for couple hours! Everybody glad?'

Nevertheless, UKChris posted: 'I say allow them to go swim if they need too however they must take 100% of the duty if something occurs to them.'

Clifton Hill Mob stated: 'It is all to do with cash. 

'The council would sooner spend tens of hundreds on new desks than fund lifeboat/guard cowl for this occasion.' 

Custom: Three of Brighton's Life Ladies practising on the seashore (left to proper) Diana Chitty, 16, of Hollingdean, a pupil of Varndean College; Pam Blyth, 16, of Agnes Avenue, Brighton, who's a hairdresser; and Elizabeth Caplin, 23, of Rock Avenue, Brighton

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