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The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
The UK beaches with the warmest seawater in Britain
Plus, find out the temperature of sea water that's actually pleasant to swim in - and the apps that can help you out SEA SWIMS The UK beaches with the warmest seawater in Britain WHEN summer temperatures soar, lots of Brits will flock to the beach, but dipping your toe into the sea is another story. The waters can still be chilly even though the sun is blazing, so where in the UK is actually warmest to swim? 4 The coastline in Essex also boasts some of the warmest waters for swimming Credit: Getty Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here The temperature of the sea around the UK can vary significantly, with lows in the winter of 6C to highs of 20C in summer. Of course, tTwind, ocean currents and depth. Sea temperatures near the coast will be at their highest when there are clear, sunny skies with low winds - these factors allow the water to warm up quickly. The further you go in, the temperature will begin to drop as the depth increases. Generally, the south and west coasts of the UK will have the warmest sea waters, and this year, they are warmer than usual. In July 2025, the Met Office revealed that the waters to the south of the UK are experiencing a marine heatwave. Sea surface temperatures in the Celtic Sea, English Channel, and Southern North Sea are 1.5C to 3C above 1982-2012 average. The marine heatwave is predicted to last until the end of August. A recent BBC study also revealed that the surface temperature of UK waters has risen by 0.2C, from the start of the year up until the end of July in 2025. The English seaside town with no arcades or rides but named the best in the UK 4 Clacton-on-Sea and beaches along the Essex coast also have warm sea waters 4 Essex can be hotter because of its dry and sunny weather, and proximity to the European continent Credit: Alamy The two beaches that have the warmest waters are along the Channel coast, in Camber Sands and Hastings. The beaches along the southern coast of England tends to be warmer than Essex, especially in the winter months, due to its more southerly location. Both coastlines are influenced by the Gulf Stream - which is a powerful warm ocean current that carries heat from the tropics towards the North Atlantic. However, some of the warmest waters actually surround Essex including beaches like Clacton-on-Sea and those near Mersea Island. In the summertime, the Essex coast is warmer than most of the UK because of its proximity to mainland Europe. The drier and sunnier conditions that come with that causes water temperatures to rise. According to the current water temperature in Clacton-on-Sea, it's 18.7C. The data further reveals that the warmest sea temperatures today are in Thorpeness, Sizewell, Parkeston, Walton-on-the-Naze and Manningtree - which are all along the east coast of England and sit at 19C. Meanwhile in Sandwick, Scotland, sea temperatures are as low as 11.9C. While 19C does sound warm, it can still be a shock for your body, so be mindful before you dive in headfirst. A guide by The Outdoor Swimming Society has rankings of what various water temperatures mean - and how prepared for cold waters you should be. 0-6C is considered 'baltic', you'll need a wetsuit and it's unlikely you'll swim too far because it's so cold. 6-11C is 'freezing', still cold but a more manageable temperature. 12-16C is 'fresh' and quite enjoyable for open water lovers. 17-20C is considered 'summer swimming' and this will be the temperature of lakes and rivers rather than the sea itself. 21C is 'warm' and 30C is 'pool temperature'. When taking children to the beach, be aware that they are less tolerant of cold water than adults and struggle to regulate body temperature more. 4 Take care before swimming by looking up the temperature of the water Credit: Alamy So it's safer for them to stick to paddling and splashing in the shallows than swimming further out. You can check the temperature of the sea with apps like Magic Seaweed, Windy, Seaside Buoy and Sea Water Temperature. It's also worth considering taking a look at the quality of the waters before diving in. Here you can find out the 93 cleanest beaches in England and Wales where you can swim without worrying about sewage. Plus, here's the world's 50 best beaches, and two are in England.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
For decades, we blamed aliens and Atlantis. Science says the Bermuda Triangle story is very different
The Bermuda Triangle has long been a magnet for mystery. Tales of vessels vanishing without distress calls and planes disappearing mid-flight have fuelled theories about alien abductions, time warps, and lost civilisations. The area, marked by the points of Florida, Bermuda and Puerto Rico, has been cast as a danger zone. Australian scientist Karl Kruszelnicki disagrees. He has spent years dismantling these claims, arguing the disappearances can be explained by environmental hazards, human error, and simple probability. His view is backed by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Lloyd's of London, and the US Navy. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program No higher risk than elsewhere 'There is no evidence that mysterious disappearances occur with any greater frequency in the Bermuda Triangle than in any other large, well-travelled area of the ocean,' NOAA stated in 2010. Kruszelnicki told The Independent that 'the number [of ships and planes] that go missing in the Bermuda Triangle is the same as anywhere in the world on a percentage basis.' The high volume of maritime and air traffic in this part of the Atlantic naturally produces more recorded incidents. It is one of the busiest corridors on the planet for both shipping and aviation, which skews public perception. The real hazards in the Triangle Kruszelnicki points to natural features that can catch even experienced crews off guard. The Gulf Stream, a fast-moving current, can shift weather conditions within minutes, generate violent storms, and sweep vessels far from their intended course. Live Events The region is also prone to hurricanes, rogue waves, and waterspouts. Coral reefs and shallow island chains increase the risk of grounding, while certain locations have magnetic anomalies where compasses point to true rather than magnetic north, potentially leading to navigational mistakes. When human error meets bad weather Technology has improved safety, but even now, equipment failures, misjudged routes, and poor weather forecasting can turn routine journeys into disasters. Earlier decades were even riskier, with slower emergency responses and limited communication systems. 'The combined forces of nature and human fallibility outdo even the most incredulous science fiction,' NOAA notes. Kruszelnicki stresses that human mistakes are underestimated in most popular accounts. Poor decision-making in bad weather has been a factor in many of the Triangle's most famous incidents. How the 'Bermuda Triangle' myth took hold The term 'Bermuda Triangle' was coined in 1963 by writer Vincent Gaddis. It caught the public imagination but became a phenomenon in 1974 with Charles Berlitz's bestselling book, which mixed real incidents with speculation about Atlantis, aliens, and other dramatic claims. Scientists criticise such works for relying on anecdotes rather than evidence. The 1945 disappearance of Flight 19, five US Navy bombers on a training mission, cemented the Triangle's image in popular culture. Official records point to navigational confusion and bad weather. Kruszelnicki says that pattern repeats across many so-called mysterious cases. A pilot's strange story In 1970, pilot Bruce Gernon claimed to have flown through a tunnel-like cloud that caused his instruments to fail and seemed to make 30 minutes vanish from his flight time. While the account is famous among paranormal enthusiasts, Kruszelnicki and other experts see it as anecdotal and likely explained by weather phenomena such as unusual cloud formations. From sea monsters to sunken cities, the Bermuda Triangle has been kept alive by books, films, and documentaries that favour thrilling theories over mundane truths. Kruszelnicki has repeated his findings in public talks and interviews since 2017, yet the legend persists. For many, the idea of aliens or time warps is more enticing than accepting the roles of probability, weather, and human error.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Bermuda Triangle ‘mystery' solved? Scientist explains the real cause behind vanishings of ships and planes
Image: Getty Images For decades, the Bermuda Triangle, the stretch of ocean roughly bounded by Miami, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, has been the subject of mystery, fear, and speculation. From tales of ships vanishing without a trace to aircraft disappearing mid-flight, the region has inspired theories about supernatural forces, alien abductions, and even time warps. But according to Australian scientist Karl Kruszelnicki, backed by research from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Lloyd's of London, these myths do not hold up. Far from being a cursed zone, the Bermuda Triangle's so-called mysteries can be explained by natural environmental conditions, human error, and statistical probability. The truth, Kruszelnicki emphasizes, is far less otherworldly and far more rooted in the realities of nature and navigation. Bermuda Triangle poses no greater risk than other oceans Kruszelnicki, supported by NOAA and Lloyd's of London, has long maintained that the Bermuda Triangle is no more dangerous than any other ocean region. Disappearances occur at roughly the same proportional rate as elsewhere in the world's waters. As noted by Kruszelnicki, the higher number of incidents is largely due to the Triangle being one of the busiest shipping and flight corridors in the world, where heavy traffic naturally means more recorded accidents. Statistical data confirms that when the volume of vessels and aircraft is taken into account, the accident rate is completely ordinary. This directly challenges the very foundation of the Triangle's mythical reputation. Environmental and navigational challenges of 'Bermuda Triangle' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 25 Best Cities for Living Undo According to Kruszelnicki, the geography and weather patterns of the Bermuda Triangle create conditions that can challenge even experienced navigators. The Gulf Stream, a powerful ocean current, can cause sudden changes in weather, generate violent storms, and push vessels off course within minutes. The region is also prone to tropical storms, hurricanes, waterspouts, and rogue waves that can overwhelm ships and planes without warning. Numerous islands and coral reefs make for hazardous, shallow navigation routes, increasing the risk of grounding or collision. Kruszelnicki also points out that certain areas experience magnetic anomalies where compasses may point to true north instead of magnetic north, leading to potential navigation errors. When all these factors combine, even a minor miscalculation can turn deadly. Human error and equipment failure As Kruszelnicki explains, a significant number of accidents in the Bermuda Triangle can be traced to pilot or captain mistakes, faulty equipment, or outdated forecasting methods. These human and technical shortcomings often occur alongside the already challenging weather and navigational conditions of the region. In earlier decades, limited communication systems and slower emergency response times meant that vessels or aircraft in trouble had little chance of rescue. Even today, with advanced technology, mistakes and malfunctions can quickly escalate into disasters when compounded by sudden storms or rough seas. Kruszelnicki stresses that the human factor is often underestimated in popular explanations of the Triangle's incidents. Origins of the myth of the Bermuda Triangle The term 'Bermuda Triangle' was first coined in 1963 by writer Vincent Gaddis, who linked the region to a series of unexplained disappearances. His writings sparked public curiosity, but the myth gained massive momentum in 1974 when author Charles Berlitz published a bestselling book that embellished these stories with speculation about Atlantis, alien abductions, and other sensational claims. Kruszelnicki has often criticized such accounts for their lack of credible evidence and reliance on anecdotal storytelling. The entertainment value of the myth overshadowed scientific explanations, cementing its place in pop culture for generations despite the absence of verifiable proof. Famous anecdote – the Bruce Gernon story In 1970, pilot Bruce Gernon reported encountering a strange tunnel-like cloud while flying through the Bermuda Triangle. He claimed his instruments malfunctioned, and upon exiting the cloud, he experienced a time discrepancy of about 30 minutes. The story has been widely discussed in books, documentaries, and paranormal circles, with some suggesting it could be evidence of a time warp. Kruszelnicki, however, remains skeptical, noting that the account is anecdotal and lacks corroborating evidence. Many experts, including Kruszelnicki, believe it could be explained by meteorological phenomena such as unusual cloud formations or optical illusions. Scientific consensus over Bermuda Triangle The conclusion from NOAA, the US Navy, and Lloyd's of London — all echoed by Kruszelnicki — is clear: the Bermuda Triangle is not more hazardous than any other heavily traveled ocean region. The so-called mystery is a product of natural hazards, geographic challenges, human mistakes, and decades of exaggerated storytelling. Statistically, the accident rates are consistent with those in other busy maritime and aviation areas. While the legend of the Bermuda Triangle may continue to inspire curiosity and creativity, the evidence, as Kruszelnicki emphasizes, points to a reality grounded in science, not the supernatural.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-08-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Scientists standing by to rescue rare manatee sighted in cold New England waters
BOSTON (AP) — A manatee was recently spotted off the coast of Massachusetts for the first time in almost a decade and scientists want to monitor its condition to see if a rescue is necessary before it succumbs to the cold water or lack of food, they said Friday. The threatened species, which makes its habitat in warmer southern Gulf waters in places like Florida, was first seen July 26 off the southwestern coast of Cape Cod in the area of Nantucket Sound. Mashpee resident Jennifer Sullivan took a video of it swimming alongside paddle boarders in an inlet behind a marina surrounded by sea grass. She said on Monday that she found the manatee, which was as long and wide as her paddleboard, 'just lazing around there in the grass going as slowly as possible.' 'It was completely unfazed by us,' said Sullivan, who went on to say she felt 'just in awe of how graceful the creature was and to be so close in the wild to it.' A few days later, the animal was seen stranded on the tidal flats in Mattapoisett. Bystanders who found the manatee beached on the flats around sunrise pushed it back into the water, said Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Protected Species Program Manager Erin Burke. It hasn't been spotted since, Burke said, but a team with the International Fund for Animal Welfare is standing by to rescue the animal if it becomes necessary. The species prefers swimming in warmer waters, usually traveling only as far north as the Carolinas. If the manatee stays in water that is too cold for too long, it could suffer severe illness or death, said New England Aquarium Research Scientist Dr. Nadine Lysiak. Additionally, manatees are herbivores that sustain themselves on extensive seagrass beds and mangroves not typically found in New England. 'Even if it doesn't experience cold stunning, it may have some health declines associated with not having enough food, not having enough water,' she said. 'So it's important to intervene as soon as it's sighted again to prevent health declines.' Lysiak said it's unclear how and why the manatee found its way so far north. It may have followed the warm water Gulf Stream current system from Florida up past the Carolinas and eventually found its way to New England, she said. 'We have kind of an average understanding of what a wild population does in terms of their range, or their habitat range, and some individuals will go beyond that and maybe wander or seek out other habitats or other food sources,' she said. 'It's hard to know exactly why this manatee came to Cape Cod.' Manatee sightings are uncommon in New England, but not unheard of. Wednesdays What's next in arts, life and pop culture. In 2008 and 2009, different manatees were sighted in Cape Cod Bay — the furthest north the animals have ever been identified. Both were eventually rescued, with one dying on the trip to Florida for rehabilitation. The other survived the trip south, living until 2018. In 2016, a manatee was spotted off the coast of Falmouth. In 2023, one of the animals was seen in Rhode Island. Anyone who sees the manatee is asked to document their GPS position and call the stranding network hotline, (508) 743-9548. Sullivan said she feels 'blessed that I could be in the right place and the right time to see the creature,' and she's hoping it's healthy and safe. 'I pray he just turned right around and went back south,' she said.
12-08-2025
- Health
Scientists standing by to rescue rare manatee sighted in cold New England waters
BOSTON -- A manatee was recently spotted off the coast of Massachusetts for the first time in almost a decade and scientists want to monitor its condition to see if a rescue is necessary before it succumbs to the cold water or lack of food, they said Friday. The threatened species, which makes its habitat in warmer southern Gulf waters in places like Florida, was first seen July 26 off the southwestern coast of Cape Cod in the area of Nantucket Sound. Mashpee resident Jennifer Sullivan took a video of it swimming alongside paddle boarders in an inlet behind a marina surrounded by sea grass. She said on Monday that she found the manatee, which was as long and wide as her paddleboard, 'just lazing around there in the grass going as slowly as possible.' 'It was completely unfazed by us," said Sullivan, who went on to say she felt 'just in awe of how graceful the creature was and to be so close in the wild to it.' A few days later, the animal was seen stranded on the tidal flats in Mattapoisett. Bystanders who found the manatee beached on the flats around sunrise pushed it back into the water, said Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Protected Species Program Manager Erin Burke. It hasn't been spotted since, Burke said, but a team with the International Fund for Animal Welfare is standing by to rescue the animal if it becomes necessary. The species prefers swimming in warmer waters, usually traveling only as far north as the Carolinas. If the manatee stays in water that is too cold for too long, it could suffer severe illness or death, said New England Aquarium Research Scientist Dr. Nadine Lysiak. Additionally, manatees are herbivores that sustain themselves on extensive seagrass beds and mangroves not typically found in New England. 'Even if it doesn't experience cold stunning, it may have some health declines associated with not having enough food, not having enough water,' she said. 'So it's important to intervene as soon as it's sighted again to prevent health declines.' Lysiak said it's unclear how and why the manatee found its way so far north. It may have followed the warm water Gulf Stream current system from Florida up past the Carolinas and eventually found its way to New England, she said. 'We have kind of an average understanding of what a wild population does in terms of their range, or their habitat range, and some individuals will go beyond that and maybe wander or seek out other habitats or other food sources," she said. "It's hard to know exactly why this manatee came to Cape Cod.' Manatee sightings are uncommon in New England, but not unheard of. In 2008 and 2009, different manatees were sighted in Cape Cod Bay — the furthest north the animals have ever been identified. Both were eventually rescued, with one dying on the trip to Florida for rehabilitation. The other survived the trip south, living until 2018. In 2016, a manatee was spotted off the coast of Falmouth. In 2023, one of the animals was seen in Rhode Island. Anyone who sees the manatee is asked to document their GPS position and call the stranding network hotline, (508) 743-9548. Sullivan said she feels 'blessed that I could be in the right place and the right time to see the creature," and she's hoping it's healthy and safe. 'I pray he just turned right around and went back south," she said.
