Ahead of the New Year’s Day Swim in Salford Quays, a charity has warned that people considering taking part in festive open water swims to celebrate the start of 2026 should remain aware of the risks.
Hundreds of swimmers are set to descend on Salford to mark the new year by participating in the 13th running of the cold water dip organised by Uswim.
The event has raised more than £150,000 for local charities over the years and has partnered with Moya Cole Hospice and Salford Foodbank this time around.
But, ahead of the iconic charity swim, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has warned participants of the potential dangers posed by open water dips.
The lifeboat search-and-rescue charity said the effects of cold water shock, combined with weather conditions, pose a risk to anyone entering water that is 15°C or below, especially at a time of year when the average sea temperature around the UK and Ireland is 6 °C to 10°C.
The warning follows the disappearance of Matthew Upham, 63, and another man during a Christmas Day swim in the Devon seaside town of Budleigh Salterton.
Gareth Morrison, head of water safety for the RNLI, said on Tuesday: “We know this time of year many people take part in festive and New Year dips or continue to take part in regular winter swims.
“So, we are urging anyone entering the water to be aware of the dangers, check sea conditions carefully and to understand their own limitations.
“With the sea temperatures still dropping and reaching their coldest around March, the effects of cold water, combined with weather conditions and any personal health issues, should be taken seriously before venturing in.
“If it’s your first time in open water, we’d recommend you speak to your GP first, particularly for those with cardiac or underlying health conditions.”
The RNLI advised open water swimmers and participants in New Year dips to take precautions before entering the water.
“Avoid swimming alone, consider going with others or joining a group so you can look out for each other,” Mr Morrison said.
“Think about the depth of water – wherever possible, stay in your depth.
“If you are going to attend a New Year dip, please ensure you go to a well-organised event which has appropriate safety cover in place.
“Also taking the right kit is essential.
“We’d recommend wearing a wetsuit to keep you warm and increase your buoyancy, together with a bright swim cap and tow float to make yourself visible to others and use in an emergency.”
To mitigate the risks of open water swimming and ensure everyone has an enjoyable time, Uswim welcomes the use of skins and wetsuits, which can be hired on the day.
A spokesperson for Uswim said: The event’s safety features will include water safety crafts and qualified personnel, a small swim course to keep swimmers contained, compulsory tow floats for all swimmers, and reheat facilities on land.
“We are a professional swim organisation and our lovely, little charity swim has raised over £150k for local hospices, children’s charities and local food banks over the years,” a spokesperson for the organisation said.
“Long may that continue.”
More information about the annual New Year’s Day Swim in Salford Quays is availible here.
