Yesterday was the coldest day of the winter so far in England. Northerly winds brought cool arctic air down to Europe. The unusual offshore wind in Brighton creates a beautiful peace and tranquility on the water. Which, on the coldest day of the year, made the act of entering the water an excruciating experience.

‘Big wave’ days may present their own swimming challenge, but at least there is no escaping the cold water as it jumps up at you like an enormous playful puppy.

On cold, still days, one must consciously lower oneself into the icy water, step by step, especially at low tide, when Brighton’s beach remains shallow for a long way.