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Daredevil cross-Channel swimmers ride the waves in choppy conditions in Folkestone

Curling up on the sofa with a cuppa on a cold November Sunday morning is not everyone's... well, cup of tea.

Swimmers saw the choppy seas off Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone as an opportunity for more fun yesterday.

Their daredevil swimming came as the Environment Agency issued a series of flood alerts for Kent, with strong winds and high tides predicted to cause difficult conditions.

Cross-Channel swimmers brave the water in Folkestone despite high tides
Cross-Channel swimmers brave the water in Folkestone despite high tides

People from the cross-Channel swimming club, which has members across the country, were in Folkestone for a presentation ceremony on Saturday night.

They turned heads as they went for a Sunday morning dip in a less than enticing sea.

The group are said to be extremely experienced swimmers and onlookers said they appeared to know how to counter the violence of the waves by swimming along them rather than head on.

Clutching onto a rail, this woman steadies herself on Folkestone seafront
Clutching onto a rail, this woman steadies herself on Folkestone seafront
Waves crash into this cross-Channel swimmer at Folkestone
Waves crash into this cross-Channel swimmer at Folkestone
Swimmers take advantage of the high tides at Folkestone
Swimmers take advantage of the high tides at Folkestone

But experts warn it is not be advisable to take a dip in choppy waters even if swimmers are extremely competent.

A 14-year-old boy in Newhaven was swept away off the Sussex coast during last week's St Jude storm.

What do you think? Is it brave or stupid to tackle such strong waves - even for experienced swimmers? Join the debate below.

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