Tourists have been warned against attempting a dangerous river crossing after several “concerning” incidents saw visitors in difficulty at a famous UK beauty spot.
Lewes District Council warned visitors about the dangers of crossing the Cuckmere River where it meets the sea on the popular Seven Sisters hike, sharing a post from South Downs National Park. It warned that the deep water has placed many visitors in danger due to the fast-flowing water. The post said: “Visitors are being urged not to cross dangerous fast-flowing currents at the mouth of the River Cuckmere in East Sussex.”
It added: “The warning comes after several recent incidents where visitors to Seven Sisters Country Park have crossed the river and got into difficulties in the fast-flowing water.
“It can be deep water and unpredictable as the river meets the incoming tide. Videos of people crossing the river, unaware of the risks, have been posted on social media.”
The council said that this coincided with a rise in popularity on social media of the Seven Sisters hike, which starts at Seaford.
The post added: “Ahead of the bank holiday, the South Downs National Park Authority, alongside HM Coastguard, is urging people to use the designated footpaths to admire the views on either side of the river.”
The designated route follows the English coastal path around Cuckmere Haven, which includes the Seven Sisters visitor centre, toilets, and refreshments.
Claire Onslow, commercial manager for Seven Sisters Country Park, told The Argus it had been “very concerning to see groups of people crossing the water and often being knocked off their feet by the strength of the currents”.
“We want everyone to enjoy this stunning location safely,” she said. “The river mouth is hugely unpredictable and should never be used as a footpath. There are no lifeguards and it’s an unnecessary risk to enter the incredibly fast-flowing, often very cold, water.”