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Dozens of swimmers jump into the sea amid cheering crowds Baddeley Salterton Hoping for a refreshing cold bath before Christmas lunch.
But a joyful annual tradition quickly turns into something crazy rescue mission People became stranded in rough seas, with one resident describing it as the “worst” situation he had ever seen at the popular swimming resort on Devon’s idyllic Jurassic Coast.
Two men, including a local antiques dealer Matthew UphamSaid to be an experienced sea swimmer, he remains missing despite an extensive search by the Coastguard and the Royal Naval Laboratory.
Mr Upham’s heartbroken family have paid the price tribute Dedicated to the 63-year-old, they said they “loved him deeply and will always miss him”.
They added: “We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the responding emergency services, in particular the RNLI and Coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts at this extremely difficult time.
“We are extremely grateful for their compassion and support.”
A yellow rose was reportedly left on the doorstep of his antique shop on Boxing Day.
A man in his 40s, who is thought to have bravely tried to help Upham, is still missing after the swimmer entered the water at around 10.25am on Thursday.
Strong winds created huge waves that dragged people underwater, and several people had to be pulled to safety.
Friends said Mr Upham had tried to get out of the water but was washed back onto the beach by huge waves, and yesterday they maintained hope he could find refuge somewhere on the coast.
They described him as “very friendly” and popular in the seaside town. daily mail: “He goes swimming almost every day, he is very fit and knows the local waters very well.
“A lot of people were out yesterday because of the Christmas swim, but Matthew will be there regardless.
“He never intended to launch such a large-scale rescue operation and in fact would be appalled that he would put anyone at risk to find him.”
Another added: “Matthew appeared to be trying to get out of the water but was pulled out and floated further down the beach.
“We don’t know who the man, who is in his 40s, is. We believe he is the one who was trying to help Matthew.”
Mike Brown, 60, who swims every Christmas, said he “couldn’t get out” after entering the sea but was helped by “two very brave men” who waded into the water and pulled him to safety.
“The conditions were much worse than normal and the worst I’ve ever tried to swim in,” he told reporters. British Broadcasting Corporation. “In hindsight, it was clearly a mistake to try to get in.”
He added: “They each used one arm to drag me to safety and as soon as it started it was over, I was on the beach and I was safe.”
Police said some people were brought ashore as a precaution and were examined by on-site paramedics or taken to hospital.
Although the swim is an annual tradition replicated over Christmas by keen wild swimmers at beaches across the country, it is an unofficial event and is not supported by lifeguards.
A passing RNLI lifeboat was reportedly undergoing training to be able to respond quickly after swimmers got into trouble.
HM Coastguards took part in a major multi-agency search and rescue operation, which saw them repeatedly scouring the coastline amid high waves and strong winds.
The search was called off at 5pm on Christmas Day after an “extensive coastline and offshore search”. In a statement, they paid tribute to the RNLI volunteers who “did not hesitate to go to sea in rough sea conditions”.
RNLI Exmouth posted on Facebook that “conditions were extremely difficult and cold for crews who were out searching all day”, adding that many organized swimming events had been canceled as a result.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed two men were still missing on Saturday and officers were still at the scene.
Police are urging people not to swim on Boxing Day, with Detective Superintendent Hayley Costa warning: “Weather warnings have been issued this week and a number of official and unofficial swimming events have been cancelled.
“Although there is no official warning tomorrow [Friday]we urge anyone planning to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to do so. “
Following the tragedy, East Devon Council urged locals to “think twice before venturing out this festive season”.
The local government said cold water surges, strong currents and unpredictable weather conditions could cause “rapid drops in water levels, leading to serious emergencies”.