As the UK finally enjoys some spring sunshine, the RNLI in the South East is urging people visiting the coast over the next few days to Respect the Water and remember that sea temperatures can still be dangerously cold.
With temperatures soaring over the past couple of days many people will be heading to the coast for the first time this year where clear skies and bright sunshine can give the illusion that the water is warm. However, sea temperatures remain in single figures and once in the water people could suffer from cold water shock, which is the body’s short term involuntary response to being immersed in cold water and is a leading cause of death around our coast.
The RNLI, the charity which saves lives at sea, is also warning those visiting the coast weather conditions can change quickly and still be challenging and is urging people to check the forecasts and tide conditions before making their journey.
uy Addington, RNLI Community Safety Partner for the south east says:
“If you are feeling brave enough for a swim we’d recommend wearing a wetsuit at this time of year to stay warmer. If you’re not an experienced year-round swimmer and enter very cold water, our safety advice about floating might save your life.
“Fight your instinct to panic and try to float or rest, just for a short time. The effects of cold water shock will pass quite quickly, within 60–90 seconds. Floating for this short time will let you regain control of your breathing and your survival chances will greatly increase.
“Keeping calm will help maintain buoyancy. Some people find it helpful to scull gently with their hands and kick their feet to keep afloat. Do as little as possible until you have control of your breathing. At this point you have a much better chance of avoiding drowning and surviving until you can swim to safety, call for help, or continuing to float until help arrives”.
RNLI figures show that around half of those who die at the coast each year never even expected to end up in the water and find themselves in difficulty often as a result of slips, trips or falls. To prevent this happening, it is important for people to plan their activity, but also think about what they would do in an emergency if something unexpected happens.
Guy adds:
“Always carry a means of calling for help should something go wrong; know your capabilities and make sure you wear the necessary safety equipment”.
If you see someone in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not enter the water yourself.
