The sea looks inviting on a warm summer day. It feels safe. It feels like the perfect place to make memories with your family. But as the recent heartbreak off the coast of Shoreham proves, the water can turn in a heartbeat.
Three people—Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter, Sara El-Khawas—lost their lives after entering the water near Shoreham Fort on Tuesday. A fourth family member, a young girl, remains in the hospital fighting for her life. It is an unimaginable loss for a family that simply traveled from London to enjoy a day by the coast.
What Actually Happened In Shoreham
Emergency services, including the RNLI and air ambulance teams, rushed to the scene after reports that four people were in difficulty. While initial speculation circulated about fishing nets and complex entrapment scenarios, the reality is often much quieter and more terrifying. Sussex Police have reviewed CCTV and witness accounts. Their current stance is that this was a tragic accident with no third-party involvement.
Shoreham Beach is generally considered a spot where people feel comfortable swimming. You’ve probably seen the families there yourself. It’s a mix of river estuary and sea. It’s the kind of place where you wouldn't typically expect to find yourself in a life-or-death struggle. But that’s the danger of open water. It doesn't care about your experience or your intentions.
The Hidden Danger Of Open Water Swimming
When you’re standing on the shore, the water looks calm. Beneath the surface, everything changes.
The Cold Water Shock
It’s a misconception that you only need to worry about cold water in the winter. Even during a summer heatwave, the deep water temperatures remain significantly lower than the air temperature. When you jump in, your body’s automatic reaction is to gasp. If your head is underwater, you inhale water. That is the first step toward drowning. It happens fast. You don’t have time to react or "get used to it."
The Current Factor
People often underestimate the strength of tides. Even strong swimmers can find themselves exhausted after just a few minutes of fighting a rip current. You think you’re swimming toward the shore, but you’re actually being pulled further out. Panic sets in. That’s when the situation becomes critical. Once your heart rate spikes and you’re struggling for breath, you lose the ability to make rational decisions.
Practical Steps To Stay Safe
I’ve spent years around the coast, and I’ve seen how quickly people underestimate the environment. If you’re heading to the beach, you need to change how you approach the water.
- Check the local conditions. Don't just look at the weather. Check for tide times and known rip current warnings. Use local council websites or RNLI resources.
- Know your limits. If you aren't a confident swimmer, don't go out of your depth. It sounds simple, but ego kills in the ocean.
- Keep an eye on each other. Never swim alone. If you have children with you, they should be within arm's reach at all times. The moment they drift away is the moment you lose control of the situation.
- Learn the "Float to Live" technique. If you find yourself in trouble, don't try to swim against the current. Your goal is to conserve energy. Tilt your head back, submerge your ears, and try to relax. Keep your breathing steady. Once you’re calm, you can call for help or swim parallel to the shore until you find a way out of the current.
A Hard Lesson For Us All
This tragedy has devastated a community. It’s also a stark reminder that we are all visitors in the ocean. It is a powerful, unpredictable force. It doesn't offer second chances to those who get it wrong.
When you see the flags on a patrolled beach, listen to the lifeguards. If they say it's not safe to swim, it isn't. Don't look for a "quieter" spot thinking you know better. That spot is usually empty for a reason.
The family members who died in Shoreham were just like any of us, enjoying a day out. Their loss is a heavy reminder to stay vigilant, stay humble, and respect the water. The next time you walk onto a beach, take a second to look at the water and realize it’s not just scenery. It’s a wild environment that demands your total respect. Be safe, watch your family, and if you’re ever in doubt, just stay on the sand.
