Exmouth may be on, but without RNLI cover
Sidmouth and Teignmouth's traditional organised Christmas dips have been cancelled because of covid concerns.
The Boxing Day swim in Sidmouth won't be going ahead after organisers said it "would not be responsible" to do so.
Teignmouth's"Walk in the Sea" on the same day is also cancelled because of the combination of tide times and forecast of easterly winds.
But Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton swims, which usually take place on Christmas Day, could go ahead.
However, if they do, they won't have the usual support from the RNLU. The Exmouth RNLI lifeboat team says because of the reporter onset of Omicron, they won't be on standby.
Exmouth Lifeboat operations manager Ian Taylor said:"Very regrettably, due to crew operational safety issues with the increasing concerns about the covid-19 variant, Omicron, a decision has been made not to launch our Exmouth RNLI Lifeboats at the Christmas Swims at Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton this year.”
“The health and safety of our charity's volunteer crew must take priority in these difficult times and we would like to thank members of the public for their support and understanding.”
“As at all other times, both lifeboats will remain on call as normal round the clock over the Christmas holidays for emergency tasking by H.M. Coastguard. They will be fully search and rescue capable throughout.”
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