Overview
- Devon & Cornwall Police say Matthew Upham and a man in his 40s remain unlocated after the Budleigh Salterton incident, and the coastguard search was later called off.
- The RNLI urges New Year swimmers to assess conditions, understand their limits, and for first‑time open‑water swimmers with health issues to seek GP advice in advance.
- Recommended precautions include joining well-organised events with qualified safety cover, staying within depth, wearing a wetsuit with a bright cap and tow float, and carrying a phone in a waterproof pouch with a whistle.
- Coastguard units warn of sea temperatures around 6–10°C and wind chill that accelerates cooling, advising checks on tides and weather, slow water entry, swimming parallel to shore, and using Float to Live if in difficulty.
- Several organised dips plan to proceed with enhanced safety measures, while a UKHSA yellow cold‑health alert is in place for parts of England including the Humber region.