A man who survived the Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton in Devon has described how two brave bystanders saved his life after he was battered by 6ft waves and 65mph winds. Mike Brown, 60, said he was dragged from the water by two local men who waded in fully clothed.
Hundreds had gathered for the annual festive dip on Thursday, but a group got into significant difficulty. Mr Brown told the BBC: 'It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I've ever tried to swim in. With hindsight it was clearly a mistake to try and get in.' He said he was 'unable to get out' after entering the sea.
Mr Brown, who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years, said: 'After successive waves crashing me into the stones, I managed to get into relatively shallow water, but I was spent. I had no energy left to stand and I'd taken a number of blows to the head.' He sustained minor injuries and was pictured with blood running from his head.
'These two men without any concern for their own safety waded in to help me,' he said. 'They took an arm each and dragged me to safety and as quick as it had started, it was over, I was on the beach and I was safe.' He is now trying to find the men to thank them.
Emergency services were called at 10.25am. While a number of people were safely recovered, two men remain missing, feared dead. One has been identified as local antiques dealer Matthew Upham. His family paid tribute, saying: 'Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member Matthew Upham... Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.'
