Every year the Royal National Lifeboat Institution provide rescue cover to ensure that no swimmers are hurt or get into trouble. The RNLI are a charity and the boat crew are volunteers. There are 4500 voluteer crew in the UK. See: http://www.rnli.org.uk/
Coming out the swimmers look bedraggled! Air temp is about 4 degrees, water temperature about the same!
You are seeing a series of fillers taken at a New Year charity swim in the sea - Cornwall, UK. This is an annual event. The photos are taken from different years.
I am sorry I am unable to comment on your photos for a few days. I am not well. I have been ordered to stay in bed. However, things are improving. Thank you all for your good will messages. It is much appreciated.
Photographer, writer, teacher :: Live honestly. Progress through knowledge. Achieve by teaching. Communicate in writing. Speak in pictures. Every day, improve the world a little...
I like the photo-journalism look 'n' feel about this, plus the insight on how the British enjoy themselves in the midst of Winter when there's nothing better to do :-) You British are something else !!! ;^)