Student Betty Griffiths died after going for a swim off Brighton Beach

A 21-year-old student, Betty Griffiths, drowned after entering the sea during a night out in Brighton, an inquest revealed. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 16, after she left a club with a friend.

What Happened?
Betty, from Lewes, had been drinking at bars and nightclubs along Brighton’s promenade. Around 3:39 AM, she walked into the water near Brighton Palace Pier but did not return. Her friend raised the alarm, sparking a major search.

Search and Rescue Efforts
Emergency crews, including RNLI lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham, Coastguard teams, a helicopter, and ambulance services, scoured the area for hours. The Coastguard helicopter flew from Portsmouth at 3 AM, searching until 5:30 AM. Betty’s body was found at Black Rock, a section of Brighton’s shoreline, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital by 9:28 AM.

Betty Griffiths Cause of Death
A post-mortem examination listed the provisional cause as drowning and cardiac arrest.

Inquest Updates
The inquest, opened at Horsham Coroner’s Court, was paused until July to allow police and medical reports to be completed. Assistant Coroner Joanne Andrews also requested a statement from Betty’s family about her background.

Official Statements

• Coroner’s Officer Ken Jewel: “Betty had been drinking before entering the water. The tragedy unfolded quickly.”

• Sussex Police: “There are no suspicious circumstances. Our thoughts are with her family.”

• Brighton Coastguard: “Our crews worked tirelessly with other agencies during the search.”