by John Prince
HORNSEA Inshore Rescue has cancelled its annual New Year’s Day swim for good because of safety considerations following this year’s tragedies along the coast.
They’ve said that after much thought and careful consideration, they have made the difficult decision to cancel it permanently, as they do not want to put people at risk.
Following the tragic loss of four lives in Withernsea and Hornsea during 2026 – and across the UK – HIR feels it can no longer justify encouraging people to enter the North Sea, particularly during the harsh conditions in January.
Safety, they said, takes priority over everything else.
The swim has been one of the lifeboat’s biggest fundraising events for years, and HIR thanked everyone who has supported them, and continue to do so.
Hornsea Inshore Rescue’s station manager Sue Hickson-Marsay MBE said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me personally.
“Our New Year’s Day swim has been a wonderful tradition and one of our biggest fundraising events, supported by so many fantastic people over the years.
“However, having spent much of my life involved with maritime rescue, and knowing only too well the heartbreak that drowning brings to families, I can no longer feel comfortable encouraging people to enter the North Sea in the middle of winter.
“I have witnessed first-hand how quickly the sea can turn a happy occasion into tragedy, and that responsibility weighs heavily on me.
“No amount of money raised is worth risking a life.
“I sincerely hope people will understand and respect this decision. I am immensely grateful to everyone who has supported the event over the years, but for me, saving lives must always come before fundraising.”
Mayor of Hornsea Cllr Stephen Prescott and deputy mayor Cllr Nick Cox have issued a joint statement, saying they back the move as safety must be number one.
They said: “It is sad to hear that HIR have made the decision to cancel their New Year’s Day swim.
“However, having considered the reasons they have given, we completely understand and support their decision.
“Hornsea Inshore Rescue are a valued part of our community and a real asset to Hornsea and the wider coastline.
“The dedication, time and effort they put into helping keep our coastline safe is greatly appreciated, and the work they do makes a real difference to local people and visitors alike.
“As a community, we should be proud of the work HIR do and continue to support them in every way we can. While it is disappointing that the swim will not go ahead, the safety of everyone must always come first.
“I would like to thank everyone involved with HIR for their continued commitment to our town and coastline.”
