Britons issued warning over potentially fatal Christmas tradition

The Met Office has issued the alert for the South West, running from 4am until 11:59pm on Christmas Day.

"Take note, despite sea surface temperatures around 10-11 degrees Celsius, coming out of the water, it'll feel close to freezing in the strong easterly winds," The Met Office said on X.

They added that, though water temperatures are "warmer than usual just now, the sea can still cause cold water shock."

The UK Health Security Agency issued a yellow cold-health alert for the period.

Strong easterly to northeasterly winds are also expected to batter the region, with gusts reaching 45-55mph across much of the area and potentially hitting 55-65mph along exposed coastal stretches.

Large waves will pose an additional danger on some beaches.

For the first time in its 57-year history, the beloved Coverack swim in Cornwall won't be taking place on Christmas Day.

Organisers made the tough call after looking at the forecast, concluding it would be "too dangerous" for participants to take to the water.

The annual festive dip has become a cherished tradition that has spanned nearly six decades.

The good news is that swimmers won't have to wait a whole year for their next chance – organisers have rescheduled the event to New Year's Day instead, giving locals another opportunity to brave the chilly waters.

Boxing Day events have also fallen victim to the wild weather forecast.

The Start Bay Inn in Devon shared the sad news about their Torcross swim, posting: "We are really sad to say that due to the rough NE wind it will be too rough here at Torcross for our annual swim."

RNLI Teignmouth has also scrapped its popular walk in the sea event, which typically draws hundreds of festive dippers raising money for lifesavers.

"While organisers understand the disappointment this decision may cause, safety considerations must come first," they said.

Meanwhile, Torbay Council's Torre Abbey dip has been called off following RNLI advice about large swells and rough seas.

Anyone who does find themselves unexpectedly in cold water this winter has been advised to remember the Float to Live advice.

Winter sea temperatures around the UK typically range from just 6-10C, which can trigger cold water shock – an involuntary response that causes blood pressure to spike and can even lead to heart attacks in otherwise healthy people.

The key is to fight the instinct to thrash about. Instead, lean back into a starfish position, gently moving your arms and legs to stay afloat until your breathing steadies.

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