Swimming in cold water can be fatal, children told

SCHOOLS should teach children about the dangers of cold water shock after a sharp rise in the number of drownings, council leaders have urged.

Even strong swimmers can drown after jumping into seas, rivers, canals and lakes, where temperatures can be half that of the typical 86F (30C) swimming pool, the Local Government Association (LGA) warned. It is calling for swimming lessons to teach children about cold water shock – a leading cause of death in many drownings – which can increase a person’s breathing tenfold, leading to a feeling of panic and possible cardiac arrest.

The call comes days after 12-year-old Owen Jenkins died in the River Trent near Nottingham, having entered the water to help two girls in difficulty.