Don’t dip into danger
LISA SALMON GETS SOME VITAL SAFETY ADVICE ABOUT SWIMMING IN OPEN WATER
EVERY time the weather gets hot and sticky, there is devastating news of children and young people getting into difficulties as they cool off in open water.
And as the heatwave continues, The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK, rlss.org.uk) warns that, even if a child or young person is a good swimmer and open water looks safe, there can be hidden dangers.
The charity says that in July 2021 there were 49 accidental drowning fatalities in the space of just two weeks in the UK.
“We understand this hot weather brings excitement and sees people heading to the water for fun or to cool off,” says Lee Heard, charity director at RLSS UK.
“But it’s vital to ensure that everyone has an understanding of water safety and makes it their responsibility to educate family and friends on how water can be enjoyed safely to prevent any tragedies.”
Here’s what you need to know...
Cold water can kill
RLSS UK says all waters in and around the UK and Ireland are cold enough to cause cold water shock, even in summer.
This shock can make swimming difficult – you may start to hyperventilate and your blood pressure may shoot up as your body tries to keep the blood warm by moving it towards the middle of your body.
As muscles cool, strength, endurance and muscle control reduce to the point when you may not be able to swim any longer and get into difficulties.
Assess your surroundings
When around water, remember to stop and think. The ‘water safety code’ says to take time to assess your surroundings, look for dangers and research local advice. Lee advises you check for possible dangers before getting into any water, including the depth, which may be different in different parts.
Remember unseen dangers
There can be many nasty and potentially dangerous surprises lurking underwater, including sharp objects, and weeds that legs can get tangled in.
Challenging currents
There may be strong currents, which may not be at all obvious from the surface but could challenge even the strongest swimmers.
Are there any lifeguards?
If there are lifeguards at an open water site, or safety equipment like lifebelts, clearly the water is a lot safer. “If there’s a lack of safety equipment, there’s increased difficulty for rescue,” warns Lee.
Float to live
Parents should make sure children know that floating could help save their lives if they get into difficulty in any kind of water.
“If you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help,” says Lee. “If you see someone in the water, throw something that floats to them. Resist
temptation to go in.”
Make sure you’re with friends
Always go swimming with friends or family. “Stay together, so if anything goes wrong you’ve got someone there to help,” says Lee.
Know what to do in an emergency
It’s vital to know what to do if something goes wrong, stresses Lee: “In an emergency, call 999 and ask for fire and rescue or the coastguard.”
Even armed with all of this knowledge, the best and safest way to enjoy the water this summer would be to avoid open water altogether and instead pay a visit a local openair swimming pool or public lido where there is supervision.