Sea swim returns after sewage cancellation

A charity sea swim is due to return after being cancelled last year due to sewage discharges.

The annual New Year's Day dip in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, has been running for 15 years and raises funds for the town's lifeboat.

In 2025, Yorkshire Water apologised after the event was cancelled due to several "sewage overflow events".

Hornsea Inshore Rescue Coxwain Stephen Hall said he hoped the event would be back for 2026, with swimmers encouraged to register at the lifeboat station from 11:00 GMT.

Mr Hall said: "It's a critical fundraiser for Hornsea Inshore Rescue. It's the biggest thing we do every year. It's really, really important to us. It's critical for the running of our life-saving efforts for the whole year."

Other sea swims taking place in East Yorkshire over Christmas and New Year include the annual sea dip at Bridlington's South Beach on Boxing Day.

Organiser Martin Jolly said "we are mad" but said participants should register at Richie's Cafe at 10:30.

Mr Jolly said the £2 entrance fee and all donations would go to local community centre support charity The Hinge Centre.

Withernsea and District Lions Club are holding a sea dip on Boxing Day at 11:00.

Those who wish to take part should register at the charity's shop in Queen Street.

There will be a sea swim at North Landing, Flamborough, on Boxing Day at 10:30.

Mr Hall said: "People are sea swimming more and more so there's a lot more people used to it.

"If you stay in for more than kind of a couple of minutes you'll know about it all day.

"It's a fantastic feeling. When you go in it really takes your breath away."

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices