An emergency incident on Christmas Day morning led to the cancellation of a traditional festive swim and saw a major emergency service response at a popular Devon beach.
Emergency Services Swarm Beach After Water Incident
Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton beach at 10.25am on 25 December following reports of concern for people in the water. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they were responding to the incident, which prompted a significant multi-agency operation involving the police, coastguard, and RNLI lifeboat crews.
The police urgently advised the public to avoid entering the water and to stay away from the area. This directive specifically extended to those planning to take part in the organised Christmas Day swim at nearby Exmouth, which was effectively cancelled while emergency teams dealt with the situation.
Multiple People Safely Recovered From Water
In an update provided via social media and later statements, authorities confirmed that a number of individuals had been safely recovered to shore by around 10.30am. These people were due to be assessed by paramedics at the scene as a precautionary measure.
Despite the successful recoveries, search efforts in the water continued for a time, with coastguard and RNLI crews conducting thorough checks to ensure no one else was in difficulty. The police emphasised the scale of the response, noting there was a "significant amount of emergency service personnel" working on the incident.
Public Urged to Stay Safe and Avoid the Coast
The overriding message from all emergency services was for public safety. Police reiterated their plea for people to refrain from entering the water along that stretch of coast while the operation was ongoing. The traditional Christmas Day swim, a highlight for many locals and visitors, was therefore called off to prevent any further risk and to allow emergency teams to work unimpeded.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of cold water swimming, even during organised events, and highlights the vital, year-round role of the RNLI and Coastguard rescue services.
