Overview
- RNLI leaders urged people planning festive dips to assess sea conditions carefully, understand personal limits and treat sub‑15C water as dangerous.
- Average sea temperatures around the UK and Ireland are about 6–10C at this time of year and typically continue cooling into March, increasing hypothermia risk.
- Two men — Matthew Upham, 63, and a man in his 40s — remain missing after a Christmas Day incident off Budleigh Salterton; rescue teams saved others and the coastguard later ended the search.
- The RNLI advised joining organised events with safety cover, wearing a wetsuit plus bright cap and tow float, carrying a way to call for help, staying within depth and calling 999 or 112 rather than attempting a rescue.
- Organisers say several New Year swims will proceed with enhanced safety measures — including Westward Ho! and Salford Quays — after some Christmas and Boxing Day events were cancelled due to earlier weather warnings.