This Christmas, the British tradition of braving the icy waves for charity and camaraderie was upended by an onslaught of wild weather, forcing the cancellation or postponement of dozens of festive sea swims across the country. From the wind-battered shores of Devon and Cornwall to the exposed beaches of Suffolk, organizers faced a tough call: put public safety first, or risk the wrath of the waves?
For many communities, these Christmas and Boxing Day dips are more than just a chilly challenge; they’re a cherished ritual, drawing hundreds—sometimes thousands—of participants and spectators, all bundled up in Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or colorful fancy dress. But this year, as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind across South West England and much of Wales, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) added a yellow cold-health alert, the festive spirit met its match in Mother Nature.
According to BBC News, the Met Office warning was in force from 4:00 a.m. to midnight on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, with gusts expected to reach up to 65 mph along some exposed coasts. Large waves, power cuts, and travel disruptions were all forecast, with the warning specifically highlighting the dangers posed by the unusual east to northeasterly wind direction. The UKHSA’s alert, active from Christmas evening through December 27, warned of potential health and social care disruptions due to the cold snap.
The impact was immediate and widespread. In Cornwall, the annual Coverack swim—a fixture for 57 years—postponed its Christmas Day event for the first time in its long history. Organizers wrote, “With the weather forecast, it would be too dangerous for the event to go ahead.” Instead, the swim was rescheduled for New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, as reported by BBC Cornwall.
Devon, too, saw its festive calendar wiped clean. The Start Bay Inn, which hosts the much-loved Boxing Day swim at Torcross, announced on social media, “We are really sad to say that due to the rough NE wind it will be too rough here at Torcross for our annual swim.” The pub urged would-be dippers to stick to safe swimming guidelines if they ventured out anyway. The RNLI Teignmouth echoed the sentiment, making what it called the “difficult decision” to cancel its Boxing Day Walk in the Sea event, which usually attracts hundreds of participants. “The safety of everyone involved is always our top priority,” the RNLI said in a statement, adding, “We know many people will be disappointed, and we truly appreciate the enthusiasm and support shown for this event.”
Torbay Council’s Boxing Day Dip at Torre Abbey Sands was also scrapped after the RNLI advised against proceeding due to large swells and rough seas. The Royal Air Force Air Cadets 200 Squadron Torquay, familiar faces at the event, relayed the council’s message: “We understand that this is disappointing for some, however the safety of all participating is paramount and we must ensure all are safe at this event.”
Suffolk was not spared. In Felixstowe, the annual Christmas Day dip—a major fundraiser for Ipswich’s St Elizabeth Hospice—was canceled outright due to high winds. Organizers took to Facebook to explain, “Following advice from the appropriate agencies, it has been determined that it is not safe to proceed with the event due to the high winds. The safety of our participants, volunteers and staff is always our top priority and this decision was not taken lightly.” Registrations will automatically roll over to 2026, with refunds offered for those unable to attend the new date. “We know this news will be a huge disappointment for many of you. The Christmas Day Dip is a much-loved tradition for families, and for many participants it holds deep personal meaning as a way to remember loved ones,” the statement continued. “We are truly sorry to have to make this announcement so close to the event.”
The Aldeburgh Boxing Day Swim, another Suffolk staple started in 1988 by Dr. Kevork Hopayian, was also postponed. More than 300 people had signed up for the 60-second dip, organized by the Aldeburgh Triathlon group to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Médecins Sans Frontières. With forecasted high winds and rough seas, organizers decided to reschedule the event to noon on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, on the beach opposite Moot Hall. “Thank you for your understanding and support; have a great Christmas,” a spokesperson wrote on Facebook. Participants were also encouraged to join the group’s Sprout Sprint 5k event, kicking off at 10:00 a.m. the same day.
The cancellations didn’t stop there. According to The Independent, several Christmas Day sea swims across the South West were called off, as cold and windy conditions swept the region. The Met Office’s warning, in place for Bath, North East Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, and Torbay—as well as a swathe of Wales—predicted peak gusts of 45-55 mph widely, and up to 65 mph along the most exposed stretches. Large waves were flagged as an additional hazard, and the potential for transport and power disruptions loomed.
For some, the disappointment was palpable. “The annual event, which usually sees hundreds of participants take a festive dip in support of RNLI lifesavers, has long been a highlight of the Boxing Day calendar. While organisers understand the disappointment this decision may cause, safety considerations must come first,” said the RNLI Teignmouth, as reported by BBC Devon. Eventbrite promised automatic refunds for ticket holders, but also encouraged donations to support RNLI lifesavers.
Despite the setbacks, the spirit of these communities shone through. Many organizers expressed gratitude for participants’ understanding and support, and several pledged to return in 2026 with even more enthusiasm. “We hope you still have a very Merry Christmas, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2026,” read the Felixstowe event’s message.
As the winds howled and the waves crashed, one thing was clear: while this year’s festive swims may have been thwarted by the elements, the traditions—and the sense of community they foster—are far from washed away. With safety as the guiding principle, organizers and participants alike are already looking ahead to brighter, calmer days for their next plunge.
