Rescuers search stormy waters as festive swimmers swept into danger during traditional dips amid strong winds and warnings to stay out of water.
Two people were missing at sea off the coast of southwest England on Christmas Day after a festive swimming event turned dangerous amid worsening weather conditions, authorities said.
Emergency services launched a large-scale search operation after reports that swimmers had been swept into rough waters near the coastal towns of Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth in Devon. The incidents occurred as hundreds of people gathered for traditional Christmas Day sea dips, a popular holiday ritual in parts of the United Kingdom.
Devon and Cornwall Police said multiple agencies were involved in the response, including the Coastguard, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and local emergency medical teams. Several swimmers were rescued from the water and assessed by paramedics at the scene, with some taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Police confirmed that two individuals remained unaccounted for late Thursday December 25, 2025, as search teams continued to comb the area by sea and shoreline.
“This is a fast-moving and challenging situation,” a police spokesperson said. “We are urging members of the public to avoid the water and coastal areas while conditions remain hazardous.”
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The search has been complicated by strong winds and powerful waves driven by an active winter weather system affecting much of southern England. The UK’s Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the region, citing the risk of gusty winds and dangerous sea conditions.
Coastguard officials said the combination of cold water, choppy seas, and sudden gusts significantly increased the risk for swimmers, even those experienced in open-water conditions. Emergency responders also warned that cold-water shock can quickly overwhelm swimmers, particularly during winter months.
Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth are known for hosting well-attended holiday swims each year, often drawing large crowds of participants and spectators. While many events are informal, local authorities routinely advise caution and stress the importance of monitoring weather and tide conditions.
Thursday’s incident renewed calls from emergency services for stricter safety awareness during festive swims, especially as extreme and unpredictable weather becomes more common.
“Even traditions that seem familiar can become life-threatening under the wrong conditions,” an RNLI spokesperson said. “We ask everyone to respect weather warnings and prioritize safety.”
The search for the missing swimmers was ongoing as night fell, with authorities saying further updates would be released as information available unfolds.