Staying safe on a winter swim
LIFEGUARDS are offering advice to winter swimmers in anticipation of a big boost in Christmas and New Year swims in the days ahead.
The RNLI says that with the growing popularity of cold-water swimming, it believes there is a need to educate those unused to the extra challenges of taking to the water in December and January.
The life-saving charity has teamed up with Cornwall’s female swimming group ‘swimminwimmin’ to give advice to those who are thinking of taking the plunge this winter.
Ann-Marie Dale – who volunteers as lifeboat press officer at Newquay RNLI and is also a keen cold-water swimmer has teamed up with Katie Richards, who runs Newquay-based ‘swimminwimmin’ with over 300 active members, to provide the advice.
They are setting out the key safety advice about sea swimming in the winter for those who are not used to it, along with sharing their love for the activity.
Many members of the swimming group are taking part in a “12 Bays of Christmas” swimming challenge in aid of Newquay RNLI and in recognition of the fact that the life-saving charity is always on hand if any of them did get into difficulty. They have so far raised over £3000.
Ann-Marie said: “There are a number of things to help ensure you have an enjoyable and safe time in the water. It’s really important to go into the water slowly so you can get used to the temperature and avoid coldwater shock.
“Always swim with someone else, stay in your depth and know how to warm up properly afterwards. That may sound obvious but it’s very important to avoid any delayed effects of the cold.
“If you’re not feeling up to it that day, please stay out of the water. The sea will still be there for another swim tomorrow – and the day after. If you or anyone else does get into trouble, please call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.”
Kate said: “Local swimming groups are a great way to find others to swim with safely and keep up to date with important advice for your area – such as sea temperatures, tides and swell. It’s also a great way to learn tips from for experienced swimmers, like the importance of staying visible with colourful caps and tow floats.
“Fortunately, no one in our group has needed rescuing but many of us will be swimming safely as part of a ‘12 Bays of Christmas’ swimming challenge to fundraise for Newquay RNLI and in recognition of the fact that those volunteers are always on hand if any of us did get into difficulty.”
The RNLI’s key advice is:
▪ Don’t swim alone – always go with someone else to a familiar spot
▪ Always check the weather forecast, including tide information and wave height
▪ If in doubt, stay out – there is always another day to go for a swim
▪ Take plenty of warm clothes for before and after your dip, along with a hot drink or a hot water bottle to help you warm up again when you come out of the water
▪ Wearing a wet suit will help increase your buoyancy and reduce the chances of suffering cold-water shock
▪ Be seen – wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float
▪ Acclimatise to the water temperature slowly – never jump straight in
▪ Stay in your depth and know your limits
▪ If you get into trouble, remember ‘float to live’ by leaning back in the water, extending your arms and legs, and resisting the urge to thrash around to gain control of your breathing
Take a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch If you or someone else is in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
This year’s RNLI Christmas appeal is particularly significant, as the charity has spent an additional £1.2 million this year on PPE, including almost 700,000 face masks, 2.4 million gloves and 4,700 litres of hand sanitiser.
The charity stated: “This is money the charity had not budgeted for but needed to be spent to keep its lifesavers and the public protected during the coronavirus crisis.”
Many of its fundraising events had to be cancelled, so while costs increased there was a big shortfall in funds raised.
Torbay all-weather lifeboat deputy coxswain James Hoare and his father Jeff are two of the faces of this year’s RNLI Christmas Appeal, underlining the importance of the service in the South West.
To donate to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, visit: RNLI.org/Xmas