Festive Swims in Cornwall and Devon Cancelled as Strong Winds and Large Swells Prompt Safety Concerns for Swimmers This Christmas and Boxing Day

Published on December 26, 2025

Cornwall and Devon, two stunning regions in the South West of the UK, are known for their picturesque beaches, charming coastal villages, and vibrant festive traditions. One of the most popular holiday activities for locals and visitors alike is the annual Christmas and Boxing Day swims. However, this year, safety concerns arising from a yellow weather warning for wind have forced organisers to cancel or postpone several of these iconic events.

On Christmas Day, the Met Office issued a yellow wind warning for the South West, alerting residents and tourists to the risk of gusts of up to 65mph. These strong winds, combined with large waves, posed significant risks to participants in these cold-water swims. The safety of the swimmers, many of whom brave the cold waters for a festive dip, is the foremost priority for organisers, who decided that the conditions were too dangerous for the events to go ahead.

Cornwall’s Iconic Coverack Swim Postponed

In Cornwall, the Coverack Christmas Day swim has been a cherished tradition for 57 years. It attracts many swimmers and spectators who gather to watch the brave souls dive into the icy waters. Unfortunately, for the first time in its history, the event was postponed due to the weather conditions. Organisers announced that the swim would now take place on New Year’s Day, after safety concerns were raised regarding the wind and waves.

The Coverack swim is known for its festive spirit, with participants often donning Santa hats and other holiday attire to add a fun and whimsical touch to the event. Despite the disappointment of the postponement, the decision was made in the best interest of everyone involved, ensuring that no one would be put at risk. The new date for the swim will still offer a chance for swimmers to partake in the annual tradition, with the added bonus of a fresh New Year’s start.

Boxing Day Swims Canceled in Devon

In neighbouring Devon, several Boxing Day swims were also canceled, including the Start Bay Inn swim in Torcross. This swim, a favourite among locals, was cancelled due to the rough northeasterly winds forecast for the area. The organisers expressed their sadness in the decision but assured participants that safety always comes first, especially given the potential dangers posed by the wind and the rough sea conditions.

In Teignmouth, the RNLI Teignmouth Boxing Day walk was also cancelled. The annual event is typically a huge draw for the community, with hundreds of participants taking part in a festive walk along the coast in support of RNLI lifesavers. However, large swells and rough seas made it impossible to go ahead safely. The RNLI team made the difficult decision to cancel, urging everyone to stay safe and take caution near the water.

Torbay Council’s Boxing Day Dip Canceled

One of the most popular Boxing Day dip events in Torbay, hosted by Torbay Council, also faced cancellation. The 200 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets posted a message on social media, explaining that the RNLI had advised against holding the annual Torre Abbey Boxing Day Dip due to rough seas and easterly winds producing large swells. As this is a high-profile event in the area, the decision was met with some disappointment, but the safety of all participants was prioritised above all else.

The Wind Warning and Cold-Health Alert

The yellow wind warning, which was in place from 04:00 until 23:59 GMT on Christmas Day, affected several regions, including Somerset, parts of Wales, and, most notably, Cornwall and Devon. Winds in the area were predicted to reach 45-55mph, with the possibility of 55-65mph gusts along exposed coastlines. The Met Office also issued a cold-health alert, advising people to take care in the cold weather, particularly those with underlying health conditions.

The combination of strong winds, large waves, and the cold conditions meant that it was simply not safe for swimmers to proceed with their planned events. The forecasted conditions were deemed too hazardous for such outdoor activities, especially given the possibility of injuries or drowning in the harsh conditions.

Impact on Festive Swim Culture

The tradition of Christmas Day swims and Boxing Day dips is an important part of the festive culture in Cornwall and Devon. Many people travel from all over the country to take part in these swims, which have become iconic symbols of holiday cheer. However, the decision to cancel or postpone the events shows the organisers’ commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all involved.

Although postponed events may be disappointing, the festive spirit remains strong. Both regions are filled with a sense of community and resilience, and the rescheduled swims will be just as memorable. The swim traditions are expected to continue as soon as the weather improves, and swimmers will still have the chance to enjoy the unique experience of braving the chilly waters in the New Year.

Alternative Festive Activities in Cornwall and Devon

While some swims were cancelled, there are still plenty of other festive activities to enjoy in Cornwall and Devon during the holiday season. Visitors can take part in Christmas markets, enjoy scenic walks along the coast, or relax in traditional pubs with festive food and drink. Cornwall’s beautiful coastal villages, such as St Ives and Padstow, are perfect for exploring during the holiday season, offering cosy atmospheres and festive decorations.

In Devon, the bustling city of Exeter offers a Christmas market full of handcrafted goods, festive food, and live music, providing a perfect alternative for those who missed out on the swims. Dartmouth and Torquay also offer fantastic holiday events, from festive boat trips to holiday light displays, ensuring that there is no shortage of things to do in these charming locations.

Looking Forward to the New Year

Despite the cancellations, the postponed events have provided an opportunity for locals and tourists to reconnect and reflect on the importance of community and safety during the holiday season. The Coverack swim and other festive swims will still go ahead in 2026, and organisers are hopeful that weather conditions will be more favourable for these much-loved traditions.

For those looking forward to future events, it’s important to keep in mind that safety is always a priority. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially during winter, and organisers must make decisions based on the best interest of participants. The safety of everyone is paramount.

As Cornwall and Devon continue to recover from the weather disruptions, the festive season remains a time to celebrate and enjoy. The festive spirit is alive, whether through rescheduled swims, coastal walks, or simply enjoying the beautiful landscapes these regions are famous for.

Conclusion

The wind warning and cold-health alert have forced the cancellation and postponement of several Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Cornwall and Devon this year. However, the decision prioritised the safety of participants, and the swimming traditions will continue in the coming days. Despite the changes, these regions continue to offer a wealth of festive activities and holiday cheer, ensuring that visitors can still enjoy the warmth and charm of the season in beautiful South West England.

This year’s cancellations are a reminder that while tradition is important, safety always comes first. With New Year’s Day swims and other events on the horizon, the festive season in Cornwall and Devon is far from over.