VIDEO: Swimmer given seal of approval while taking a dip at Lepe
A SWIMMER had a close encounter of a furry kind when a seal decided to join him during his regular lockdown dip in the sea.
Photographer Chris Balcombe was completely oblivious to being followed by the creature as he did a few lengths off the beach at Lepe in the New Forest.
It was only when he saw a family on the shore shouting and waving at him that he realised something was up.
Chris, from Dibden Purlieu, said: “I saw them waving and pointing, and assumed they were just being friendly.
“I then felt something brush by my legs and stopped for a moment. Turning around, I came face to face with a seal, gazing at me from about three feet away. It was a bit of a shock!”
It was mum Collette Sharp and her three children who had seen the seal sneak up on Chris as he was enjoying his swim.
She told the A&T: “My mum and son said they had seen something, but I didn’t believe them to start.
“Then I saw the seal popping up behind the swimmer. He had no idea. We followed them along the beach and every time Chris popped his head up, so did the seal.
“It stayed with him for ages. It was such a magical thing to see. I’ve been going to Lepe all my life and I’ve never seen a seal before.
“My son has special needs, and the beach is his special place and this has made it even more so for him.”
Chris’s sister Jean, who was waiting on the beach, managed to capture video and photos of the encounter.
Chris said: “Apparently, the family had been watching him following me closely as I swam back to shore.
“He or she continued to stay with me, diving under and investigating my feet, arms and legs and gently nudging me curiously, popping up frequently to stare at me.
“It was a great experience which I’ll never forget. At least it wasn’t a shark! I am hoping that the seal will come back and see me soon.”
Chris has been swimming at Lepe regularly since the first lockdown with his sister and a group of friends.
He said: “It is keeping me fit and I have lost two stone since I began. It certainly lifts your spirits, especially when you get a visit from a friendly seal.”
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said seals are very curious animals.
"If they’re around when someone is swimming they may investigate, usually they will stay a distance away but sometimes they like to really see what’s going on! They’re just checking what they’re sharing the water with really.
She added: "If people are nervous just try and stay calm and leave the water at a normal pace. They don’t usually get too close so this is a bit unusual in that respect but not totally out of the ordinary."
