The Seals of Southend is the nickname used to describe people who go sea swimming in Southend. There are a couple of official groups who meet down at Chalkwell for a formal swim in the sea, but there is a waiting list to join. So people just swim where they like and the stretch of seafront between Southchurch Park and Shoeburyness is particulalry popular. During the winter most people wear wetsuits but during the summer its swim shorts and cozzies and all in the sea for a decent swim.
A Guardian article in December 2020 highlighted the popularity of sea swimming in Southend and more and more people swim every month. The owner of this cache is a sea swimmer, so next time you see someone swimming, give them a cheery wave and say hello as it might just be me!