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.
1st swim in the sea in 5 months yesterday, 20 mins, loved it so much I'm back in again for 30 in a bit! & 92 prizes! https://t.co/jvCJuLepT1pic.twitter.com/GJxXCXfIVp
— Deborah'sChannelSwim (@DHerridge68) April 8, 2017
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.
Swimmers were out in force, taking advantage of the blues skies and high temperatures:
First swim of the year - a bracing 14.5c. Feels fantastic. pic.twitter.com/SIegrH5Vuj
— Hugo Rodger-Brown (@hugorodgerbrown) April 8, 2017
First open water swim of the year done, lovely to be back in the water with @FreedomTriNewspic.twitter.com/OPNgjySs5S
— Sara O'Callaghan (@soc_kiwi) April 8, 2017
(Air temps 3C Grass frost) lovely 20mins sea swim this morn at Leasowe bay! pic.twitter.com/Kc44bZIhqe
— longshanks (@cshaw2014) April 8, 2017
2k sea #swim#devon ~ best way to start the day pic.twitter.com/xrAqpb6pZN
— Ray Paulding (@1234surfing) April 8, 2017
Others wrapped up in wetsuits:
First open water swim of the year, 8 degree's in the water, still cant feel my finger after a shower, looked lovely though pic.twitter.com/q7KpoS7aCw
— Stephen Mountford (@StephenMountfo3) April 8, 2017
Happy Saturday!!! Just waiting for the sea to come a bit closer for my swim training today #Cornwall#firstseaswim#spiritualhome#ironmanpic.twitter.com/sG2JZBoJY7
— Lucy Moore (@LuckyMoore15) April 8, 2017
Brilliant open water swim today in Gartan Lake, Letterkenny, Ireland. Beautiful setting. #OpenWaterSwimming#ows#wildswimming#Gartanpic.twitter.com/Jacu282I07
— Adrian Hawley (@costingadrian) April 8, 2017
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.