Christmas Day Swim Turns Serious as Rescue Search Continues in Budleigh Salterton
What began as a festive morning by the sea in Budleigh Salterton quickly turned into a serious emergency, as rescue teams were called into action after reports came in of swimmers getting into difficulty off the Devon coast. The alarm was raised around 10:25 in the morning on Christmas Day, when concerns were reported about people struggling in the water, prompting a large-scale response from emergency services.
According to police, multiple swimmers were involved, and several people were safely brought back to shore. Once on land, they were checked over by paramedics to make sure no further medical issues developed. While some relief was felt as people were rescued, it was confirmed that searches in the water were still ongoing, as crews worked to ensure no one else remained at risk.
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A significant emergency operation was quickly set in motion. Coastguard rescue teams from Exmouth and Beer were deployed, alongside RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth and Torbay. Search and rescue helicopters were also sent to assist, scanning the waters from above. All of this was coordinated with Devon and Cornwall Police and the ambulance service, highlighting just how seriously the situation was being treated.
The incident is believed to be linked to the traditional Christmas Day swim, which had drawn large crowds to beaches in Budleigh Salterton and nearby Exmouth. Hundreds of people had gathered for the unofficial festive dip, but conditions at sea appear to have caught some swimmers off guard. Authorities stressed that the sea can be unpredictable, especially in winter, even for confident swimmers.
As the rescue operation continued, a clear warning was issued to the public. People were urged not to enter the water along this stretch of coastline while emergency teams remained busy. Police emphasised that additional swimmers would not only put themselves at risk but could also hinder ongoing rescue efforts.
Officials described the response as substantial and asked for patience and cooperation from everyone in the area. The priority, it was said, was ensuring that all swimmers were accounted for and that rescue teams could carry out their work safely and effectively.
While festive traditions often bring communities together, this incident has served as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by cold water and changing sea conditions. As searches continue, residents and visitors alike are being urged to put safety first and allow emergency services the space they need to manage what has become a critical Christmas Day operation on the Devon coast.
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