Strong Winds Force Festive Swim Cancellations Across the South West
If you were planning to brave the sea this Christmas or Boxing Day, chances are those plans may have been swept away by the weather. Across parts of the South West, several much-loved festive swims have been cancelled or postponed after a yellow weather warning for strong winds was issued, putting safety firmly in the spotlight during what is usually a joyful holiday tradition.
The Met Office warning has been in effect from the early hours of Christmas Day right through to midnight, covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and large parts of Wales. Gusts of up to 65 miles per hour have been forecast, especially along exposed coastlines and higher ground. With easterly to northeasterly winds expected to strengthen as the day goes on, conditions have been described as particularly rough and unpredictable. Large waves have also been flagged as an added hazard along the coast.
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As a result, organisers of several open-water swims have taken the difficult decision to cancel or delay events. In Cornwall, the annual Coverack Christmas Day swim has been postponed for the first time in its 57-year history. Organisers explained that, based on the forecast, it would have been too dangerous to go ahead. Instead, the event has been rescheduled for New Year’s Day, when calmer conditions are hoped for.
In Devon, multiple Boxing Day swims have been called off. At Torcross, the Start Bay Inn announced with regret that its popular Boxing Day dip would not take place due to rough sea conditions caused by strong northeasterly winds. RNLI Teignmouth also cancelled its Boxing Day walk into the sea, an event that normally draws hundreds of participants raising money for lifesaving services. While the disappointment was acknowledged, it was made clear that safety considerations had to come first.
Similar decisions were made elsewhere, including Torbay, where the Boxing Day Dip at Torre Abbey Sands was cancelled following advice from the RNLI. Large swells and rough seas were cited as the main concerns, with organisers stressing that ensuring everyone’s safety was the top priority.
Alongside the wind warning, a yellow cold-health alert has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency, highlighting the added risks posed by cold conditions, especially for those entering the sea. There have also been warnings of possible disruption to travel and power supplies in some areas.
While festive swims are a cherished tradition for many, this year’s weather has served as a reminder that nature ultimately sets the rules. Although plans have been disrupted, organisers and emergency services alike have been praised for putting safety ahead of celebration, even when it means making unpopular decisions at the most festive time of year.
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