Andy Burnham warns of dangers of open-water swimming after 'terrible family tragedy' in Sussex

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has issued a stark warning about the perils of open-water swimming after a "terrible family tragedy" unfolded off the coast of Sussex. The incident saw a mother, father, and their teenage daughter lose their lives after getting into trouble in the water near Shoreham-by-Sea.

Burnham expressed his deep sympathies to the families and loved ones of the deceased. Adding to the tragedy, a younger girl from the same family is currently in critical condition in hospital, fighting for her life. The circumstances surrounding how the family encountered difficulties in the water have not been fully detailed, but the outcome has been devastating.

The mayor's warning emphasizes the unpredictable nature of open-water environments, which can pose significant risks even to strong swimmers. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution and be fully aware of the dangers before entering the sea, lakes, or rivers, especially during warmer weather when such activities are more common. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of underestimating the power and danger of natural bodies of water.

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a terrible family tragedy