Traditional festive sea swims across the South West of England have been called off due to dangerous weather conditions on Christmas Day. High winds, forecast to reach gusts of up to 65mph, have led organisers to cancel a series of popular Christmas and Boxing Day swimming events in Devon and Cornwall for public safety.
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Warning
The cancellations follow an official yellow weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office. The warning covers the entire South West region and is active from 4am until midnight on Wednesday, 25 December 2025. Forecasters warn that strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds are likely to cause disruption to travel and outdoor activities.
The Met Office alert specifically highlights the risk from gusts, which could potentially damage buildings, cause power cuts, and lead to dangerous conditions along coastlines. The decision to cancel the swims was taken proactively by event organisers in response to this official guidance.
Popular Festive Events Axed
The affected events include several long-standing Christmas Day and Boxing Day swims, which are annual traditions for many communities and brave participants across the two counties. These open-water swims are typically held for charity and are a highlight of the festive calendar for locals and visitors alike.
While a full list of every cancelled swim was not detailed in the initial report, the sweeping nature of the weather warning suggests numerous events along the coast have been impacted. Organisers are urging people not to attempt to swim independently in the treacherous sea conditions.
Safety First Amidst Stormy Forecast
The primary reason for the widespread cancellations is concern for participant safety. Swimming in rough seas with powerful gusts poses significant risks, including:
- Strong currents and unpredictable waves that could sweep swimmers out to sea.
- Reduced visibility and control for both swimmers and safety crews.
- The danger of cold water shock combined with the buffeting wind.
Local authorities and the RNLI often support these events, and their advice has been clear: the conditions are unsuitable for organised mass participation. The cancellations will undoubtedly disappoint thousands of swimmers and spectators, but the consensus is that erring on the side of caution is essential.
This is a developing weather story. Residents and visitors in the South West are advised to stay updated on the latest Met Office forecasts and travel advice throughout Christmas Day.
