Emergency Search Underway for Missing Christmas Day Swimmers
Two men are feared missing in the sea off the Devon coast after a large unofficial Christmas Day swim turned into a major emergency incident. The alarm was raised at 10.25am on December 25, 2025, following concerns for a number of people in the water at Budleigh Salterton.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that two men are believed to be missing. A significant multi-agency search operation, involving Coastguard teams, RNLI lifeboats, and rescue helicopters, was immediately launched.
Large-Scale Emergency Response Deployed
Hundreds of swimmers had gathered along the coast for the traditional festive dip. While a number of people were safely recovered from the water and checked by paramedics, the two men remained unaccounted for.
The UK Coastguard was alerted at around 10am. Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, along with RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth and Torbay and coastguard search and rescue helicopters, were all sent to the scene. Police and ambulance services also attended.
Officers have warned the public to stay out of the water at both Budleigh and Exmouth beaches while the search continues. RNLI crews were seen navigating the challenging waves as they scoured the area.
Families Informed Amid Dangerous Conditions
Devon and Cornwall Police provided an update on the situation, stating: "The next of kin of one man have been spoken to. Enquiries to speak to the family of the second man are ongoing, however a local friend has been informed."
The force emphasised the dangers, adding: "A significant amount of emergency service personnel were deployed to the incident and we ask that people do not enter the water for public safety reasons – due to the current weather warnings we ask that this is the case today and for any Boxing Day swims."
The incident occurred on a day when a weather warning was in place for Devon, forecasting strong and gusty east to northeasterly winds. The warning stated that coastal routes and communities were likely to be affected by spray and large waves, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers.
The search operation continues as emergency services work against time and difficult sea conditions.
