September 26th, 2024.



The Seaford Mermaids open water swimming community held their 5th consecutive annual ‘Party on The Beach’ at the Buckle last Saturday. Along with Newhaven crew, they celebrated the charity’s lifesaving work with a sea dip and cake.

The Mermaids ever-growing community of swimmers receive a daily Weather Report via social media that includes sunrise and sunset, air and sea temperature ranges through the day, wind speed and direction, sea state and swell, tide times and local hazards to beware of, such as rips and currents. They have raised in excess of £5,500 for the RNLI.

Ruth Rose, Seaford Mermaids founder and one of the group's forecasters, says: "The key is to keep swimming. It’s good for us, body and soul. If you’re planning to enjoy the water all year round as we do, knowledge for safety is a necessity."

The Mermaids raised an impressive £3,778 through donations collected on the beach during the party and via a dedicated JustGiving page. These funds will go directly to Newhaven RNLI providing our volunteers with the kit and equipment they need to save lives. Other Mermaid donations have been made to RNLI centrally, as direct debits and one-off gifts.

The Seaford Mermaids take excellent water safety precautions, such as swimming in company, gaining awareness of potential local dangers, keeping up to date with the forecast for weather and tidal conditions. Ensuring they are visible in the water by carrying a float or wearing a brightly colour swim hat.