Sidmouth's Boxing Day swim called off

Sidmouth's Boxing Day swim has been called off this year over a lack of insurance to allow the event to be held.

Members of the public are advised not to enter the water as there will be no safety cover and other risks.

The annual swim was also cancelled in 2021 and 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Oliver Salter of the event's organising committee said in a statement: "As one of the primary organisers with Keith Knight for the last 30 years, along with the local RNLI branch who have undertaken the insurance, we have to advise that unfortunately due to lack of willing volunteers the local RNLI branch no longer exists, therefore we have to inform you that there will be no Boxing Day swim this year.

"In the beginning there were a dozen or so hardy souls taking to the water which had grown to over 400 swimmers.

"In recent years the organising has been a real team effort between the Sailing Club, Sidmouth Lifeboat, Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club and the RNLI but none of the remaining clubs have the necessary insurance to run such an event.

"We thank the local clubs for their help and support over the years keeping swimmers safe but must stress that there will be no swim this year and therefore no safety cover.

"The lifeboat incorporating the beach lifeguards and the surf lifesavers suggest strongly that people do not take to the water due to the risks involved especially cold water shock."