Exmouth RNLI lifeboats will not be attending this year's Christmas Day swims in Exmouth or Budleigh Salterton on standby, the charity has confirmed.

The decision comes after a rise in cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

The lifeboats will remain available on an on-call basis as normal.

Exmouth Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Taylor said: "Very regrettably, due to crew operational safety issues with the increasing concerns about the Covid-19 variant, Omicron, a decision has been made not to launch our Exmouth RNLI Lifeboats at the Christmas Swims at Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton this year.

"The health and safety of our charity's volunteer crew must take priority in these difficult times and we would like to thank members of the public for their support and understanding.

"As at all other times, both lifeboats will remain on call as normal round the clock over the Christmas holidays for emergency tasking by H.M. Coastguard. They will be fully search and rescue capable throughout.

"May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and safe Christmas."

The RNLI is also urging people who decide to take part in a Christmas or New Year swim to be 'extra cautious and understand the risks' of entering cold water. Click here for more information.

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