In this paper we show that bromide scavenges the ^·OH radicals formed upon photolysis of nitrate, before they leave the solvent cage. Bromide can thus inhibit the in-cage recombination between ^·OH and ^·NO₂. The consequence is an increased generation of ^·NO₂ and nitrite and of Br₂ ^−· + ^·OH, compared to ^·OH alone in the absence of bromide. We show that this effect compensates for the lower reactivity of Br₂^−· compared to ^·OH toward certain organic substrates, e.g. phenol and tryptophan. Our findings could lead to a deep revision of the present views of the role of bromide in saltwater photochemistry.