High winds disrupt traditional sea swims in Devon and Cornwall as Christmas and Boxing Day events are affected by a yellow weather warning. The Met Office’s wind warning for the South West, in effect from 4 am to midnight today, predicts gusts of up to 65mph causing potential disruptions. Concurrently, a yellow cold-health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UHSA) has led to the postponement or cancellation of several planned events.
The annual Coverack swim in Cornwall has postponed its Christmas Day tradition for the first time in its 57-year history, while multiple Boxing Day swims in Devon have been called off. The Met Office’s warning, spanning Somerset and parts of Wales, forecasts peak gusts of 55-65mph along exposed coasts, posing additional risks with large waves.
Organizers of the Coverack swim have rescheduled the event to New Year’s Day due to safety concerns. Similarly, the Start Bay Inn in Devon regretfully canceled its Boxing Day swim citing rough conditions. RNLI Teignmouth made a tough call to cancel its Boxing Day walk in the sea, emphasizing safety as the top priority.
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets 200 Squadron Torquay also had to cancel Torbay Council’s Boxing Day Dip at Torre Abbey, following advice from the RNLI due to rough sea conditions. The council expressed disappointment over the cancellation but stressed the significance of ensuring the safety of all participants.
In South West England and Wales, festive sea swims have been impacted by adverse weather conditions. Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to email alerts for major stories of the day.