Latest news with #coldwatershock
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
RNLI warns of cold water risk as temperatures soar
Lifeguards in the South East have warned those enjoying the hot weather this weekend to be wary of cold water shock as seaside temperatures are set to soar to around 30⁰C (86⁰F). Water safety teams from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) say that water temperatures will remain cold enough to be dangerous despite Sussex and Kent nearing the heatwave threshold. Guy Addington, water safety lead for the RNLI in the South East, said those heading to the seaside should choose beaches with lifeguards on them and to stay afloat if they get into difficulty. Amber heat health warnings are in place across the UK until 09:00 BST on Monday as temperatures could hit 31⁰C over the weekend. Mr Addington said: "Heading to the coast in hot weather is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off – but the water can be dangerous. "If you get into trouble in the water, tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently." Cold water shock occurs when the body is suddenly immersed in water typically below 15⁰C (59⁰F) and can cause hyperventilation, gasping for air and a rise in heart rate. The impact of the shock can lead to difficulty in swimming, putting even experienced swimmers at risk of drowning. The RNLI provides lifeguards across the South East, including most recently in Brighton and Hove. Ed Stevens, lifeguarding lead for the South East, said: "Our lifeguards have undertaken extensive training to be able to provide an excellent lifesaving service. "It's important to check the times and season dates of your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach and to listen to any local advice they can give you – they are there to help keep us safe." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. South East braces for potential heatwave Amber heat health alerts in place as temperatures above 30C likely When is a heatwave really a heatwave? RNLI
BBC News
16 hours ago
- Climate
- BBC News
RNLI warns South East sunseekers over cold water shock
Lifeguards in the South East have warned those enjoying the hot weather this weekend to be wary of cold water shock as seaside temperatures are set to soar to around 30⁰C (86⁰F).Water safety teams from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) say that water temperatures will remain cold enough to be dangerous despite Sussex and Kent nearing the heatwave Addington, water safety lead for the RNLI in the South East, said those heading to the seaside should choose beaches with lifeguards on them and to stay afloat if they get into heat health warnings are in place across the UK until 09:00 BST on Monday as temperatures could hit 31⁰C over the weekend. Mr Addington said: "Heading to the coast in hot weather is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off – but the water can be dangerous."If you get into trouble in the water, tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently." Cold water shock occurs when the body is suddenly immersed in water typically below 15⁰C (59⁰F) and can cause hyperventilation, gasping for air and a rise in heart impact of the shock can lead to difficulty in swimming, putting even experienced swimmers at risk of RNLI provides lifeguards across the South East, including most recently in Brighton and Stevens, lifeguarding lead for the South East, said: "Our lifeguards have undertaken extensive training to be able to provide an excellent lifesaving service."It's important to check the times and season dates of your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach and to listen to any local advice they can give you – they are there to help keep us safe."
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Devon swimmers warned about dangers of cold water shock
Swimmers in Devon have been warned about the dangers of open water swimming, including cold water 200 people died from accidental drownings in the UK last year, with 28 in May alone, according to the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF).The NWSF said cold water shock was "the body's response to sudden immersion in cold water, leading to an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and temporary loss of swimming ability".Mike Tipton, the organisation's chairman, said new swimmers should make sure they were "fit and healthy enough" to do open water swimming and go with a "recognised group in a safe location". Mr Tipton, who told BBC Devon somebody "died around water every other day... [a] really sobering number", said people sometimes forgot sensible precautions, such as limiting swims to 10 minutes, going in gradually and swimming parallel to the said the drop in temperature could increase the heart rate and cause a gasp which could allow sea water into the mouth and start the drowning added that said the initial shock passed within 30 to 90 seconds, so entering the water gradually could reduce the NWSF said drownings often rose when air temperatures increased, with unseasonably high temperatures in May over the past few years causing a spike in the air temperature got hotter, open water temperatures often stayed much colder, it below 16C (60.8F) was considered dangerous for cold water shock, the NWSF inland waters stayed below this temperature all year and sea temperatures are also likely to be colder this time of year. Drownings: The figures 61% of deaths happened in inland waterways (rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries)84% were maleThe worst months in 2024 were May (28 people), August (25) and July (21)37% of people who died never meant to enter the water and were doing every activities such as walking and running and fell in136 accidental drownings were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales and six in Northern Ireland 'Call, tell, throw' The NWSF's safety campaign, Respect the Water, offers advice on what do if someone is seen struggling in the water:Call 999 to get helpTell the struggling person to float on their backThrow them something that floats, such as a life ring, inflatable toy or bottleIf anyone is in the water and suffers cold water shock, they should:Tilt their head back with their ears submergedTry to relax and breathe normally while they moved their hands to help stay afloatOnce the effects of the cold water shock passed, shout for help or swim to safety if they could
