The death of Mandy Goodridge’s brother Nick has highlighted growing concerns about water safety along the Sussex coastline. The 61-year-old former RAF firefighter, who had extensive diving experience, passed away on August 9 in Hove waters, joining a tragic list of fatalities this year.

Mandy, 64, described her devastation at losing the man she called her best friend. The Brighton-born former RAF serviceman had spent much of his life near the seafront and held a special affection for the area.

Alongside her family’s tribute to a compassionate man, Mandy has questioned why so many lives have been lost in the Sussex sea this summer.

The family of three who died while swimming at Shoreham Harbour this week became the latest victims in what has been a season of tragedy.

Mandy expressed her distress at the repeated reports of people entering the sea and drowning. She asked whether something specific might be causing these repeated incidents.

On the day he died, Nick had left his long-term partner Sarah Tewolde’s home and walked to the beach around 5pm. He telephoned her at 7pm to invite her to join him, describing the conditions as pleasant and suggesting she come for a swim.

A member of the public later discovered Nick’s body floating in the water near Rockwater just after 8.30pm. The beachgoer pulled him from the sea and attempted to revive him, but he had already died.

Sarah contacted Mandy after 10pm when Nick had not returned as anticipated. The family initially hoped he might have gone to his flat at Seven Dials, but their worry increased when he still had not returned home the following day.

Mandy and Sarah searched the Rockwater area and contacted the Royal Sussex County Hospital before reporting him missing to police.

Officers met the family at Nick’s flat and informed them he had died.

Mandy explained that she and Nick were very close, having already lost their other brother Mark when he was 34. She said she felt numb and could not yet process the loss.

Initial information given to the family suggested Nick had suffered a cardiac arrest, though the full circumstances remain unclear.

Nick was born and raised in Brighton, growing up in Patcham as the son of Ronald and Faye Goodridge. He attended Fawcett School before taking a position at the recently opened Topman store in Western Road.

At 21, he enlisted in the RAF and served as a firefighter. During his military career, he completed advanced diving qualifications and represented the RAF in boxing.

Mandy described his achievements in the forces as remarkable. She noted that despite his athletic build, he was remarkably gentle and kind, earning him the nickname the gentle giant. He dedicated his life to helping and caring for others.

Nick continued boxing into his later years at Scott Welch’s gym at the King Alfred Leisure Centre. Despite a serious back injury years prior, Mandy said he rebuilt his fitness through yoga and training, regularly sparring with men much younger than himself.

Mandy said he was strong and resilient, but always made time for everyone regardless of who they were.

Nick lived near Hove seafront for approximately 20 years before relocating to Seven Dials two years ago. Having travelled extensively, he would tell his family that the Hove seafront offered some of the finest sunsets he had encountered worldwide.

Mandy said it was particularly cruel that he had died in one of the places he cherished most. He also quietly supported his neighbours, taking an elderly man who lived below him out for coffee and helping a single mother who lived upstairs.

He performed many acts of kindness without seeking recognition. Mandy said men like him are rare. He was unassuming, disliking anything flashy and preferring to avoid the spotlight. He possessed kindness, compassion, generosity and impeccable manners.

Friends and relatives posted hundreds of tributes after Mandy shared the news on Facebook.

His cousin Fiona Beard commented that many had remarked on his gentle nature, which perfectly captured who he was. She described him as one of those special individuals who was consistently gentle, kind and gave wonderful hugs.

Lillian Harrop remembered him as a beautiful, kind, gentle giant.

Derek Knight said he was such a lovely person.

Louise Channon wrote that Nick ranked among her favourite people on earth, describing him as the kindest soul, gentle, fierce and authentic. She said he was taken far too soon and left a legacy from which everyone should learn.

Nick will be buried alongside his younger brother Mark, who died at 34. A private family cremation will be followed by a celebration of his life at Rockwater from 12.30pm to 3pm on Friday, August 28. Anyone who knew Nick is welcome to attend.

Nick’s death forms part of a series of fatalities involving the sea and beaches around Sussex during 2026.

On January 19, the body of a man in his 60s was recovered from the water near the Wish Tower in Eastbourne.

On May 13, the bodies of three sisters were found in the sea near Black Rock, west of Brighton Marina.

Another man’s body was recovered from Brighton seafront on June 3.

On June 4, a kitesurfer in his 40s died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Camber Sands.

On July 2, a 57-year-old local man who had been observed paddleboarding was recovered from the sea at Saltdean.

On July 26, a 55-year-old man died on the beach at West Wittering after being pulled from the water.

The body of a 58-year-old man was recovered from the sea in Hove on August 4.

Nick died near Rockwater five days later on August 9.

On the same day, an 18-year-old man was recovered from the sea at Camber Sands around 7.30pm.

Nine days later, on August 18, four members of a family visiting Shoreham from London encountered difficulties after entering the water near Shoreham Fort.

Hassan El-Khawas, 55, his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, and their 14-year-old daughter Sara El-Khawas died despite a major emergency response. A fourth family member, a young girl, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The string of tragedies has prompted Mandy to call for improved sea safety measures. She said she wanted authorities to examine lifeguard provision, warning flags and the information provided to people entering the sea.

She said she wanted to raise awareness about what is happening in that sea and ensure people take precautions. Too many people are losing their lives in those waters. She described the situation as tragic.