Dip in the sea? Make sure you put on a wetsuit first

Forecasters predict the warmest day of the year this weekend, but bathers should beware, says RNLI

WITH the hottest day of the year pencilled in for this weekend, many a beach-goer will relish the chance to indulge in their first swim of the season.

But before anyone dives into the sea with too much enthusiasm, lifeguards have urged caution: wear a protective wetsuit, lest the water be too cold.

The RNLI has said that the water temperature is still low enough to cause fatigue, reinforced by wind chill, advising bathers to don “appropriate clothing” and be “ready for all weathers” despite the forecast.

“If you’re going to take the plunge and have a swim, make sure you’re wearing a good wetsuit or drysuit,” said the RNLI yesterday.

“Keeping warm in cold weather can take a lot of energy, so fatigue can be an issue. Watch out for the wind chill factor – even a slight breeze can have a dramatic effect on how cold it feels.

“Conditions can also be changeable at this time of year so please bring appropriate clothing and be ready for all weathers.

“And if you see someone in trouble in the water, don’t attempt to rescue them yourself, as you could also be putting yourself in more danger.”

Forecasters predict much of the country will be bathed in sustained sunshine, ensuring April averages are exceeded while millions enjoy time off.

By Sunday, temperatures are expected to jump as high as 73F (23C) in the South East, making it the warmest day of 2017 so far.

However, David O’Donnell, chairman of the Bournemouth Spartans club, whose members swim every Sunday from October to April, said: “You don’t need to wear a wetsuit to enjoy a swim. People have been swimming in the sea without wetsuits for years.

“Cold-water bathing is to be encour- aged for certain people – you can get a real buzz out of it and you do feel a lot better for it.”

One Bournemouth Spartans member has just turned 100 and many others have enjoyed weekly winter swims for several decades.

Mr O’Donnell said people who are naturally insulated by being “on the plump side” tend to fare better in colder temperatures than the very thin – and the greater danger of going in the sea this weekend may be from sunburn.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “It is likely on Sunday we will see further sunshine in many parts of the UK. It will be a lovely weekend for much of England and Wales, but in Northern Ireland and Scotland it will turn a bit cloudier.”

The warm weekend will revert to average temperatures on Monday morning, he added.

The beginning of April has been one of the warmest on record.