(Commonwealth_Europe) Festive seaside traditions across Devon and Cornwall have been disrupted this Christmas after organizers were forced to postpone or cancel popular Christmas Day and Boxing Day swims because of severe weather conditions. A yellow weather warning for strong winds has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of the Southwest from the early hours of Christmas Day until just before midnight, with gusts expected to reach up to 65 mph in exposed coastal areas. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a yellow cold-health alert, further escalating safety concerns.
One of the most affected events is the much-loved Coverack Christmas Day swim in Cornwall, which has been postponed for the first time in its 57-year history. Organizers said the forecast conditions made it simply too dangerous to allow swimmers into the water, a decision they described as difficult but necessary. The event has now been rescheduled for New Year’s Day, offering hope that the tradition can still be enjoyed safely.
The worsening conditions have also affected several Boxing Day swims in Devon. The Start Bay Inn announced with regret that its annual Boxing Day swim at Torcross would not go ahead, explaining that strong northeasterly winds would make the sea far too rough. Many locals expressed disappointment, as the swim is a highlight of the festive season for the community.
Safety concerns have also led the RNLI in Teignmouth to cancel its Boxing Day “walk in the sea” event, which typically draws hundreds of people raising money for lifesaving services. Organizers acknowledged how much the event means to participants but stressed that public safety must always come first, especially with large waves and strong winds forecast.
In Torbay, the Royal Air Force Air Cadets 200 Squadron confirmed that Torbay Council’s Boxing Day Dip at Torre Abbey Sands had been cancelled following advice from the RNLI. The council said large swells combined with easterly winds would create dangerously rough seas, making it impossible to safely host the event. While organizers recognized the disappointment felt by many who look forward to the dip each year, they emphasized that ensuring everyone’s safety was the overriding priority.
The weather warning also extends beyond Devon and Cornwall, affecting Somerset and large parts of Wales, with forecasters warning of powerful winds and hazardous coastal conditions throughout Christmas Day. For many communities, the cancellations are a sad break from tradition, but organizers and emergency services alike have urged people to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks during the festive period.
