The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued an urgent safety warning to festive swimmers after two men disappeared following a Christmas Day dip in Devon. The charity is urging extreme caution for anyone planning a New Year's open water swim, highlighting the lethal risks of cold water shock.
Tragedy Prompts Safety Plea
The warning follows the disappearance of Matthew Upham, 63, and another man on 25 December 2025 in Budleigh Salterton, Devon. According to Devon & Cornwall Police, the pair entered the water to help a woman in difficulty amidst stormy conditions. While several people were rescued and treated, the two men were not found.
Gareth Morrison, the RNLI's head of water safety, stressed the severity of the conditions. "With sea temperatures still dropping and reaching their coldest around March, the effects of cold water, combined with weather conditions and any personal health issues, should be taken seriously before venturing in," he stated on Tuesday.
Essential Safety Guidance for Swimmers
The RNLI has outlined crucial precautions for anyone considering a festive swim. Key advice includes:
- Avoid swimming alone: Go with others or join a group to look out for each other.
- Check conditions and know your limits: Carefully assess the sea state and understand your own capabilities.
- Use proper equipment: Wear a wetsuit for warmth and buoyancy, a bright swim cap, and a tow float for visibility.
- Seek medical advice: First-time swimmers or those with cardiac or underlying health conditions should consult their GP.
- Never enter the water to rescue someone: Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard instead.
- Attend organised events: Choose well-organised dips with appropriate safety cover in place.
Mr Morrison emphasised the importance of being prepared: "Even the well-prepared can find themselves in difficulty, but having the correct knowledge and equipment can save lives. Taking a means of calling for help with you, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch with a whistle, really could be a lifesaver."
New Year's Events Proceed with Caution
Despite the tragedy and some cancellations due to poor weather over Christmas, several New Year's swims are scheduled to go ahead with enhanced safety measures.
The Westward Ho! New Year Fancy Dress Dip in north Devon on Thursday will have an RNLI-qualified lifeguard team and a separate medical team with a 4x4 ambulance. Organiser Peter Sawyer, commenting on the Budleigh Salterton incident, said: "It’s very sad when anyone dies, especially at an event, whether it be organised loosely or just a get together." He confirmed that forecasted ideal conditions mean the event will proceed.
Similarly, the New Year’s Day Swim at Salford Quays in Manchester, organised by Uswim, will implement strict protocols. These include water safety crafts, qualified personnel, compulsory tow floats, and on-land reheat facilities. A spokesperson noted the event has raised over £150,000 for local charities.
The RNLI's stark message remains: the average UK and Irish sea temperature is currently between 6C and 10C, a range where cold water shock poses a severe and immediate danger. Swimmers are urged to heed the advice and prioritise safety as they ring in the new year.
