This page contains personal stories which you may find upsetting
As temperatures rise in the British summertime, you or your family may be tempted to cool off with a swim in a local river or lake, or in the sea. Make sure you know the dangers of swimming in open water.
https://www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/drowning-prevention-week-campaign
Find out more
The council and fire service will be sharing information about water safety at Burrs Country Park on Friday 20 June at noon-3pm.
Support
The shock of losing someone suddenly is indescribable.
If you have been affected by the drowning of a loved one or friend there is support available.
Child Bereavement UK offers free, confidential bereavement support for individuals, couples, children, young people, and families, by telephone, video or instant messenger, wherever you live in the UK.
They also offer face-to-face support from several locations. To find out more, or access their services visit their website via the link below.
To search for other organisations that offer bereavement support, visit AtaLoss
Being around open water
When you are out and about around waterways, remember the following:
- Jumping into open water can be fatal. Cold water shock kills, you don’t know what’s lurking beneath the surface and under-water currents can be deadly.
- If you get into difficulty in the water, float to live (external website).
- If you see someone in difficulty in the water remember ‘call, tell, throw’:
- Call 999 and ask for the fire service if inland or the coastguard if by the sea.
- Tell the struggling person to try to float on their back.
- Throw them something that floats.
- Look out for hazards around water and stick to proper pathways.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you are coming back, if possible.
- Take any warning or safety signs seriously.
- Never enter the water to rescue your dog - who will rescue you?
- If you encourage your mates to go in the water it could be the last time you see them.
Did you know that around 50% of fatalities happen to people who never intended to go in the water?
- Canals and rivers can be dangerous, no matter how strong a swimmer you are. It's very easy to misjudge the effects cold water can have on your body.
- Being aware of everyday risks in, on and around water and knowing how to behave could save your life. You never know when you might unexpectedly need this knowledge.
Be aware!
- Low water temperatures can cause the body to go into ‘cold water shock’ and can claim your life in minutes, even if you are a strong swimmer
- It’s difficult to estimate the depth of the water. It may be much deeper or shallower than expected and cause serious harm if jumping in
- There are often no suitable places to get out of the water due to steep slimy banks
- The ground shelves away very steeply so you can quickly become out of your depth
- There is no way of knowing what lies beneath
- Reeds and other plant life can get tangled around your limbs and keep you in the water
- Mud makes it difficult to walk even if you can stand up
- Litter and waste such as pipes, shopping trolleys, sharp metal or broken bottles can trap your feet as well as cause injury
- There may be underwater machinery to help operate the locks, for example sluices
- Swimming in open water can expose you to serious disease such as Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease)
- There may be hidden currents. Flowing water can be especially dangerous and when the locks are in operation the water flows extremely fast
Cold water shock
Cold water shock can happen to anyone - even if you’re fit and healthy. And it can happen in any kind of open water: the sea, rivers, lakes and lochs.
Low water temperatures cause the body to go into ‘cold water shock’ and even hypothermia. It reacts to the cold water by drawing the blood away from muscles to protect the organs and making it difficult to move limbs. Eventually the body slows down and gradually loses consciousness, which can lead to drowning.
It can cause you to temporarily lose the ability to control your breathing. You could find yourself gasping for air and breathing up to 10 times faster than you would normally. You could also experience a spike in heart rate and blood pressure which can cause a heart attack, even if you're in good health
You need to fight your instincts. If you were to fall into cold water you are likely to be confused and frightened and your natural instinct will be to fight the water – to swim hard. But the cold water will make you gasp uncontrollably, your heart will beat really fast, you’ll lose energy quickly and breathe in lots of water, and eventually your muscles will become paralysed.
Instead, Float to Live - float on your back you can keep your airways clear, control your breathing and allow the cold water shock to pass. Then you can call out for help and you will have a much better chance of surviving
Dr Sarah Jarvis, explains why jumping or diving into a reservoir, or other open water source like a river or a canal, pond, lake or quarry could quite literally be the last thing you do. Dr Sarah talks about the immediate and major life-threatening effects that cold water has on your body, and how it affects your ability to get yourself out of danger.
Stay safe around reservoirs
Reservoirs can be extremely dangerous, and are not the place for swimming, boarding or paddle boarding even on the warmest of days. Here, we have some useful information for parents, teachers, and young people to spread awareness of our water safety messaging.
- Deep water and steep sides make it difficult to get out, and hidden machinery can be a hazard
- Remote locations mean It may be difficult for emergency services to help anyone in trouble
- Strong currents can be caused by machinery under the water
- Cold water shock can take your breath away and lead to panic, as the water is extremely cold
The water in a reservoir never really gets above 11°C even on the hottest of days. Jumping into a reservoir can cause cold water shock which can kill even the fittest of people within 60 seconds.
The number of lifeguards on duty at reservoirs is 0 as swimming is strictly prohibited, meaning it could be too late by the time help arrives.
Over 700 people drown in the UK and Ireland every year and many more suffer injuries, some life-changing, through non-fatal drowning experiences
You are more likely to die from drowning than by being hit by a car or in a fire.
https://www.unitedutilities.com/my-local-area/parks-and-reservoirs/acres-of-nature/reservoir-safety/
Open water safety
Accidents can happen to anyone. You could be an experienced open water swimmer, or paying for a guided experience, or taking a spontaneous dip on a hot day. Whatever your ability and experience, you should be aware of the dangers involved in open water swimming.
- Cold water shock – this is a physical response to rapid entry into water that’s 15°C or lower. You can find yourself struggling to breathe and to swim. Read more about cold water shock.
- Depth of water – water is often deeper than it looks.
- No exit – swimmers can find themselves trapped and unable to exit the water.
- Impact – underwater or hidden objects can be hazardous, and swimmers can get struck by boats and other craft.
- Lack of preparation – swimmers may not have safety equipment or a way to call for help.
- Aftershock – even after you’re out of the water, your core body temperature can drop dangerously.
How do to it safely
Before you go:
- Find a friend – it’s safer to swim with an organised group than to go alone
- Choose the right location – check the weather and setting. Be aware of any hazards. Identify where you can safely enter and exist the water
- Prepare your kit – make sure your towel and clothes are on hand so that you can quickly dry yourself and warm up. If there are no cafes nearly pack a flask so you can have a hot drink after your swim
- Join a club – join a recognised open water swimming club
- Don’t enter the water if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Consider investing in a throwbag – this comes with a bright floating rope that you can use in a rescue situation
- Know your gear – if you’re using an alarm or app on your phone as a way to call for help make sure you know exactly how to use it before you enter the water
During your swim:
- Wear a wetsuit – if you’re in a group you may feel peer pressure to brave the cold water in trunks or a swimsuit but ignore it. A wetsuit will be keep you warmer and reduce the risk of shot.
- Wear a brightly coloured swimming hat and take a tow float – this will make it easier to spot whilst you’re in the water
- Take a float and whistle – this will give you extra buoyancy and greatly improve your chances of coping with cold water shock.
- Swim parallel to the shore – the water is likely to be warmer and also not so deep.
After your swim:
- Warm up quickly – put on plenty of clothes and have a hot drink
Beaches and open water environments are not sterile; there will always be some micro-organisms present. This means that there is always a small chance of becoming ill if people come into contact with these organisms. Various factors influence bathing water quality, including, the presence of cattle grazing in the area near the water, as run-off water can carry pathogens (harmful micro-organisms) from cattle on to the beach via streams running into the sea. Other risk factors include the presence of flocks of birds, proximity to a busy harbour, wind, currents and tides. Risks are increased during times of heavy rainfall, as run-off water can increase the number of pathogens. More detailed information and advice can be found in the PHE document: Swim Healthy.
Further information
https://www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/open-water-safety-tips
RoSPA- Open water swimming safety | RoSPA’s guide for swimmers
Float to live
If you find yourself struggling in the water, would you know what to do?
Your gut instinct may tell you to swim to safety. But if your body has gone into cold water shock, you could be panicking and gasping for air. Breathing in just a small amount of water could cause you to drown.
So instead of trying to swim, try to remember three important words: Float to Live.
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged under the water - this will help open up your airway
- Try to breathe normally - if you can relax you’re less likely to panic
- Move your hands to help you stay afloat – this will help you stay buoyant
- Don’t worry if your legs singe – its’ ok we all float differently
Spread your arms & legs – this will improve your stability and control in the water.
