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this Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has issued a stern warning to those planning festive openings water swim, urging participants to be keenly aware of the inherent risks as the New Year approaches.
The charity highlights Danger Cold water shock is a big plus for anyone entering water temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius or below, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Around the UK and Ireland, average sea temperatures during this period are typically between 6°C and 10°C.
This cautionary advice comes after the tragic disappearance of Matthew Upham63 years old, was with another man on a Christmas Swimming during the day Baddeley SaltertonDevon.
According to reports, the two men missing after entering the water to help a woman in distress.
While several people were rescued from the storm and received medical attention, two people are still missing, according to Devon and Cornwall Police.
RNLI head of water safety Gareth Morrison stressed the importance of remaining vigilant.
“We know that at this time of year many people will be taking part in festival and New Year swims or continuing with their regular winter swims,” he said on Tuesday.
“We therefore urge anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and know their limitations.”
Mr Morrison stressed the seriousness of the situation. He added: “With sea temperatures still falling and reaching their coldest temperatures around March, the effects of cold water, coupled with weather conditions and any personal health concerns, should be carefully considered before venturing out.”
He also advised: “If this is your first time in open water, we recommend consulting your GP first, particularly for those with heart disease or underlying health conditions.”
The RNLI has provided important safety precautions for open water swimmers and New Year swim participants.
“Avoid swimming alone and consider swimming with others or joining a group so you can look after each other,” Morrison advises.
“Think about the depth of the water – stay at your depth whenever possible.” For those taking part in organized events, he stressed: “If you are taking part in a New Year’s swim, make sure you do so at a well-organized event with appropriate safety and security.”
Necessary equipment is also crucial. “We recommend wearing a wetsuit to stay warm and increase buoyancy, as well as a bright swimming cap and a tow buoy to make yourself visible to others and to use in an emergency,” Mr Morrison said.
Crucially, he warned against entering the water to help people in distress, instead urging people to call emergency services.
“The most important thing to remember is that if you are in any doubt, stay out of the water and if you or anyone else does get into trouble in or on the water, call 999 or 112 and ask the Coast Guard.”
He concluded: “Even the well-prepared can encounter difficulties, but having the right knowledge and equipment can save lives. Having a way to call for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof bag with a whistle, can really be a lifesaver.”
While a yellow warning for high winds has resulted in a number of swimming events being canceled this Christmas and Boxing Day in Devon and Cornwall, some New Year’s events are still going ahead as planned.
Among them is “Journey to the West”! A New Year’s Masquerade Ball is held in North Devon on Thursday. Organizer Peter Sawyer confirmed strict precautions had been taken, including a team of RNLI qualified lifeguards and an independent medical team with a 4×4 ambulance.
Mr Sawyer, who has extensive maritime experience, said: “The ocean is a very dangerous place if you don’t know what you are doing.”
Referring to the Baddeley Salterton incident, he added: “It’s very sad when someone dies, especially at an event, whether it’s a loosely organized event or just a party.”
He noted that he had previously rescheduled his New Year’s launch in 2025 due to forecast winds of 65 mph, but this year, “we have ideal conditions and are really looking forward to sharing the beach with a lot of very happy people.”
Likewise, Manchester’s New Year’s Day swim at Salford Quay will also go ahead as planned, organizers Uswim confirmed.
The event will feature comprehensive safety measures including water safety boats, qualified personnel, enclosed swimming courses, mandatory tow buoys for all participants and land reheating facilities.
A spokesperson for Uswim highlighted their charitable impact: “We are a professional swimming organization and our lovely little charity swims have raised over £150,000 over the years for local hospices, children’s charities and local food banks. May this continue.”