River Cold Water Shock Can Kill, Warns UK Ahead of Summer Holidays
River Cold Water Shock Can Kill, Warns UK Ahead of Summer Holidays as 226 accidental drownings reported in England in 2022
London
As Summer Holidays are fast approaching, the UK government has issued an advisory to parents to caution their young ones against unsafe dips in water.
As youngsters find swimming in rivers as the best way to cool off, especially after record June heat, this can be an unsafe option as has been proven in the past.
In 2022, the UK reported 226 accidental drowning cases with 105 cases being reported in the summer season months of June, July and August.
Out of the total 226 cases, 151 were reported in Britain, 45 in Scotland, 22 in Wales and 8 in Northern Ireland.
A UK government official said 60 percent of drowning deaths were reported in inland waters as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries.
Notably, below 15 degrees Celsius water is considered cold but inland waters in UK and Ireland can be colder even on hot sunny days as compared to the average sea temperature of 12 degrees Celsius.
Besides, waterways can also prove deadly, especially around bridges, locks, weirs (that drag people underwater) and flood channels.
“Don’t be fooled by the warm surface of the water, cold water shock can kill,” reads a message by UK Environment Agency.
“Locks and weirs high-risk areas for swimmers,” says, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) while warning that cold water shock is still a danger. Always pay attention to warning signage, KFRS added.
Russell Robson, a team leader for the Environment Agency, said some young people take careless risks in summer.
“Our lock sites and weirs can be especially dangerous with young people jumping in from steep-sided walls into what might be quite shallow water.
Even if the water is deeper, it’s often hard to tell what hazards lie on the riverbed. The message is simple, stay clear of the water near locks and weirs, and always pay attention to warning signage,” he added.
Leanne McMahon of KFRS called for using designated swimming areas or somewhere where there’s a lifeguard.
Key Safety Tips
In trouble, don’t panic and remember ‘Float To Live.’
Lean back in the water and spread your arms and legs to stay afloat and control your breathing.
It can take up to 90 seconds for the effects of cold water shock to pass.
When you have done so, call out for help or try and swim to safety.
If you see someone struggling, call 999 and ask for the fire service before jumping into the water for rescue for it will help emergency services find you if anything goes wrong.
Don’t jump or dive in as the depth may vary and there can be unseen hazards.
Don’t go in near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices as they are often linked with incidents where people have drowned in the past due to strong currents.
Inland waters can be very cold no matter how warm the weather. Those going into cold water can get cramps and experience breathing difficulties very quickly.
For Parents
Parents and guardians can help keep children safe by giving swimming lessons and aware them of the risks if they chose to venture unsupervised or alone into water.
