Charity sea swim cancelled over forecast wind

An annual charity sea swim has been cancelled amid concerns about predicted gusting winds and strong swells.

Lyme Splash sees up to 300 participants swim two miles (3.2km) in open water between Lyme Regis and Charmouth in Dorset.

The RNLI, which took over the running of the event this year, said it had taken the decision to cancel Sunday's event on safety grounds.

It said the mixed long-term forecast meant it would not be rescheduling and swimmers could either defer their entry until 2027, request a refund or donate their entry fee to the RNLI.

Organisers had been closely monitoring the forecast, which it said was "sunny and warm".

"But unfortunately the wind is forecast to be SSE 3-4, gusting 5, with an estimated swell of 0.7m which means conditions will be unsuitable due to the exposed nature of the bay to SE winds.

"The safety of yourselves as swimmers and the volunteers providing safety cover is paramount."

Organisers said they would look to move next year's event to earlier in the year when the weather was more likely to be favourable.

The sea swim, founded and organised by Karen Durham-Diggins until 2025, was also cancelled in 2024, amid concerns about sewage in the water following heavy rainfall.

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