Paul Morris, from South Shore, Blackpool, was washed into the sea by a wave while walking a dog with a friend in the early hours of New Year's Day.

BBC: Paul Morris

While the summer is the obvious time to head to the beach, there is something sublime about the crisp sea air on a spring or autumn day when the sands are empty save for the occasional dog walker and jogger.

BBC: Visiting the Hamptons off season