Weston-super-Mare’s annual Christmas Day Swim has been cancelled - due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The swim, which has been running for more than a decade, has been dropped amid safety concerns.
The event, held at Marine Lake, normally attracts dozens of swimmers and hundreds of spectators and raises money for the RNLI.
The RNLI posted an update on the event on its Facebook page.
A spokesman for the RNLI said: “Come the day, whatever Covid-19 tier level we are in, unfortunately this year we will not be holding our annual RNLI Christmas Day Swim, as we do not feel it is appropriate in the current circumstances.”
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People are also being urged not to take the plunge in the waters on their own account.
The spokesman added: “We politely request that people do not take part this year as there will be no safety cover in place.
“Any incident would then require our crew members to leave their family Christmas and we would like to avoid that where possible.
“Stay safe, stay home and see you in 2021 for a Christmas Day Dip.
“Thanks for all your support in 2020.”
North Somerset Council has also reiterated the plea for people not to hold their own Christmas Day swim.
A council spokesman said: “There will be no Christmas Day swim this year at Marine Lake in Weston.
“Please don't turn up on the day to swim or watch and let's keep everyone safe this Christmas.”
