Key Takeaways
- The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind in Devon and Cornwall, with gusts of up to 65mph forecast on Christmas Day.
- Several Christmas and Boxing Day swims in the region have been postponed or cancelled due to the weather warning.
- The Coverack swim in Cornwall has been postponed for the first time in its 57-year history, while several Boxing Day swims in Devon have been cancelled.
- The RNLI and other organisers have cited safety concerns as the reason for the cancellations, with large waves and strong winds posing a hazard to participants.
Introduction to the Weather Warning
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind in the South West of England, including Devon and Cornwall, from 04:00 until 23:59 GMT on Christmas Day. The warning forecasts east to northeasterly winds becoming particularly strong and gusty, with peak gusts of 45-55mph and 55-65mph possible along some exposed coasts. In addition to the wind warning, a yellow cold-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UHSA), highlighting the potential health risks associated with the cold weather. Organisers of various Christmas and Boxing Day swims in the region have been forced to postpone or cancel events due to the weather warning, citing safety concerns as the primary reason.
Postponed and Cancelled Events
The annual Coverack swim in Cornwall has been postponed for the first time in its 57-year history, with organisers citing the weather forecast as the reason for the decision. The swim has been rescheduled to take place on New Year’s Day, rather than on Christmas Day as originally planned. In Devon, several Boxing Day swims have been cancelled, including the event at Start Bay Inn in Torcross, which was cancelled due to the rough NE wind. The RNLI Teignmouth also made the difficult decision to cancel its Boxing Day walk in the sea event, which usually sees hundreds of participants take a festive dip in support of RNLI lifesavers.
Safety Concerns
The RNLI and other organisers have cited safety concerns as the primary reason for the cancellations. Large waves and strong winds pose a significant hazard to participants, and organisers have taken the decision to prioritise safety above all else. The Royal Air Force Air Cadets 200 Squadron Torquay announced on social media that the Torbay Council’s Boxing Day Dip at Torre Abbey had been cancelled, with a statement from the council citing the advice of the RNLI to cancel the event due to large swells and easterly winds producing rough seas. The safety of all participants is paramount, and organisers have taken the decision to cancel events in order to ensure that everyone remains safe.
Disappointment and Understanding
While the cancellations will undoubtedly be disappointing for some, many have expressed understanding and support for the decisions taken by organisers. The Start Bay Inn, for example, said on social media that it was "really sad" to announce the cancellation of its Boxing Day swim, but acknowledged that the rough NE wind made it too rough for the event to go ahead. The RNLI Teignmouth also acknowledged the disappointment that the cancellation of its event may cause, but stressed that safety considerations must come first. The decision to cancel or postpone events has been taken with the safety of participants in mind, and many have expressed gratitude for the prioritisation of safety above all else.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Met Office’s yellow weather warning for wind has had a significant impact on Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall, with several events being postponed or cancelled due to safety concerns. While the cancellations will undoubtedly be disappointing for some, the prioritisation of safety above all else is a decision that has been taken with the well-being of participants in mind. The decision to cancel or postpone events has been taken in order to ensure that everyone remains safe, and many have expressed understanding and support for the decisions taken by organisers. As the region looks forward to the rescheduling of postponed events, including the Coverack swim on New Year’s Day, many will be hoping for improved weather conditions in the coming weeks.