One swimmer died and another had to be rescued by emergency services this week. It is no surprise the two incidents occurred on the two hottest days of the year.
Emergency services are now warning the public to be very careful after two rescue attempts were made on consecutive days this weeks.
One man, believed to be aged 44, from South West London was discovered by two members of the public who attempted CPR late on Wednesday night, despite theirs and paramedics valiant efforts he could not be saved.
Another incident was reported to us this week as a swimmer who was seen lying face down in sea in between the two piers around 4.30pm on Monday was rescued by tourists on a nearby boat and beach lifeguards who performed CPR. This man luckily was resuscitated and has remained in hospital in a stable condition since although it is believed he will be discharged in the coming days.
Chris Ingalls, Seafront manager has urged swimmers to swim within their limits, to not venture too far from the shore and to always swim with friends/family.
He said: “People need to be so aware that the sea can be so unforgiving and catch you out.
“It happens so quickly and the sea can be so brutal.
“The sea has been pretty flat and calm so there are not any obvious conditions that would have caused either of them to get into trouble.
“We dont know for certain what happened in either case, but would always urge people not to swim too far out. There is no need to swim out of your depth and swim along the beach rather than out.
“Make sure you are aware of the conditions, swim between the flags and and swim with a friend and speak to the lifeguards.”
Sussex Police said: “At 8.40pm on Tuesday police were called by the ambulance service, who were trying to resuscitate a 44-year old man from South West London who was on the beach near Brighton Pier opposite Volks Tavern. He had apparently got into difficulties while swimming there and a friend who was with him called the ambulance service.
“The man was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital but sadly died there shortly afterwards.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and the Coroners Officers will be continuing enquiries.
“He had apparently got into difficulties while swimming there and a friend who was with him called the ambulance service.
“At 4.40pm on Monday (19 July) we were informed by the ambulance service that a 36-year old man from North West London had been pulled from the water and was on the beach at Brighton opposite West Street, being given CPR by lifeguards and paramedics.
“He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in a serious condition but on the Monday evening the hospital assessed his condition as serious but stable.
“It is believed he got into difficulties while swimming.”
Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died and we wish the other a speedy recovery.
