Weather cancels some festive swims across Devon and Cornwall
The Government says 'Boxing Day swims are a brilliant reminder of how much people value their rivers, lakes and seas'
The Met Office yellow weather warning for wind and predictions of large waves in places has resulted in some festive swims being postponed across Devon and Cornwall.
The RNLI in Teignmouth said: ""The safety of everyone involved is always our top priority. We’re really sorry to share that, due to unfavourable weather conditions and strong easterly winds still forecast, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Teignmouth RNLI Boxing Day Walk in the Sea."
The Torquay based Boxing Day Dip has also been called off overs afety concerns.
The decisions have left others asking whether different planned events are still going ahead.
The Coverack swim, in Cornwall was postponed for the first time in its 57-year history in Cornwall.
Each year swimmers - many wearing festive hats - brave the water for the annual Boxing Day dips in places like Sidmouth, Teignmouth and Torquay - with events on Christmas Day in places like Exmouth.
There's was some changes planned in Paignton this year with how swimmers accessed the water because of the coastal defence and regeneration works
Torbay Council leader Dave Thomas says originally there was a £3.5 million plan which is now a £17 million scheme which will take 18 months with work being done in phases.
He said: "We're committed to all of the events that we've had on Paignton Green we're committed to make them happen again. We are working with each of the organisers to say whether the lay out needs to be slightly different."
Ahead of the swims, Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “Boxing Day swims are a brilliant reminder of how much people value their rivers, lakes and seas.
“This year we’ve taken tough, long-overdue action to protect them – increasing bathing water quality, blocking millions in bonuses and unlocking record investment to clean up our waterways.
“And we’re not stopping there. Next year we will set out long-term reforms to build upon this work and create a water sector fit for the future.
"Building on this action, the government will publish a Water White Paper in the new year, setting out comprehensive long-term plans to reform the water sector.
"This continues the biggest overhaul of the water industry since privatisation, by strengthening regulation, reducing pollution, and accelerating the delivery of vital infrastructure.
"It follows the announcement earlier this year of plans to abolish Ofwat and replace the current fragmented system with a single, powerful water regulator to give investors clarity, water companies clear expectations, and customers a renewed confidence in the system.
"2025 was landmark year of action on water, with 93% of bathing waters meeting swimming standards and biggest reforms in a decade including ban on unfair bonuses which halted £4 million pounds in bonuses across six water companies."
Last year, RNLI lifeboats across the region launched 12 times over the festive period including a late night call for help on Christmas eve.
The RNLI is advising that swimmers wear bright clothing, take a means for help (a whistle or phone in a waterproof pouch), swim with others and climatise your body by entering the water slowly.
Last year, RNLI lifeboats across the region launched 12 times over the festive period including a late night call for help on Christmas eve.
The volunteer RNLI crew at The Lizard were called into action at 10pm on Christmas Eve 2024, to respond to a medical emergency involving a crew member on board a 100-metre commercial coaster who had sustained serious injuries falling down a flight of stairs.
Severe fog meant that the Coastguard helicopter Rescue 924 was grounded which left the lifeboat as the only option of immediate help. On arrival four of the lifeboat crew, who are all casualty care trained, were transferred onto the vessel where they administered emergency casualty care to stabilise his condition.
As the fog lifted, Rescue 924 were the given all clear to take off and made their way to the location of the coaster and lifeboat. The Coastguard paramedic was winched down to the vessel. Following additional medical attention, the RNLI crew on board assisted as the casualty was safely airlifted from the deck of the vessel and transported by helicopter to hospital.