On a morning swim on July 28, a swimmer gets a delightful surprise when Sammy the seal joins him for a swim in Weymouth Bay, Dorset.

"I know this has happened to a few other people [...] we swim in the sea here most days, and he just came out of nowhere - he just got on my back," the swimmer said.

He's very, very gentle. I think he's looking for company, he's quite alone out here, I think."

Most mornings I go for a swim from Weymouth beach. Last week I had a new swim partner join me, Sammy the Seal!
It put a smile on my face, I hope it does the same for you.

"I know this has happened to a few other people. We swim in the sea here most days, and he just came out of nowhere - he just got on my back.

He's very, very gentle. I think he's looking for company, he's quite alone out here I think."