Swimmers defy wetsuit warning ahead of hottest day of the year

Swimmers ignored advice to wear a wetsuit when taking a dip in the sea this weekend as temperatures soared across the UK.

Swimming trio Lizzie Ward, Michelle Benny and Mary Wedges joined locals on a busy Brighton beach and took a refreshing dip in the sea next to the pier. 

RNLI lifeguards had warned would-be swimmers to wrap up in a protective wetsuit before leaping into the sea, cautioning the water was still cold enough to cause fatigue and wind chill.

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Swimmers were out in force, taking advantage of the blues skies and high temperatures:

Others wrapped up in wetsuits:

Many more were just enjoying the warm weather: 

The RNLI had warned: "If you're going to take the plunge and have a swim, make sure you're wearing a good wetsuit or drysuit.

"Keeping warm in cold weather can take a lot of energy, so fatigue can be an issue.

“Watch out for the wind chill factor - even a slight breeze can have a dramatic effect on how cold it feels.

"Conditions can also be changeable at this time of year so please bring appropriate clothing and be ready for all weathers.

"And if you see someone in trouble in the water don't attempt to rescue them yourself, as you could also be putting yourself in more danger."

Temperatures are expected to jump as high as 23C (73F) in South East England, making it the warmest day of 2017 so far.

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