The Met Office has issued a cold water shock warning after extending its amber heat alerts through to Sunday.
Temperatures in parts of the Southeast England are not expected to dip below 20C overnight, prompting the prolonged weather alert. The Met Office has in fact extended an amber weather warning for extreme heat into tomorrow. So, with many Brits flocking to open water to cool off, authorities have reminded families of the dangers at these sites — and not solely linked to swimming.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) told the Met Office cold water also presents a serious health risk because exposure to can lead to “cold water shock,” which can become extremely serious. Samantha Hughes, the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI, said: “It’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.”
Samantha Hughes, the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI, said: “It’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.”
Writing about cold water shock, the Met Office says: “As temperatures rise, many of us are drawn to the water, whether it’s a trip to the beach, a swim in a lake, or a paddle in a river. But while the sun may be shining, the water can still pose serious risks. One of the most dangerous is cold water shock.
“Cold water shock is a sudden and involuntary response that occurs when the body is unexpectedly immersed in water below 15°C. Even on a hot day, the sea, rivers, and lakes in the UK can remain cold enough to trigger this reaction. It’s a physiological response that can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness, or swimming ability.”
View 3 ImagesGlorious weather continues this weekend(Image: Getty)
This follows the deaths of at least nine people in open water during May’s heatwave, the youngest of whom was 12-year-old Junior Slater. The RNLI advises that if you find yourself in difficulty in the water, you should tilt your head back and float.
It added: “If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink-everyone floats differently.
“Where possible, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency remember to call 999 for the coastguard.”
The Mirror has, since the deaths last month, led a campaign – Save Lives for Sam – to stop such “catastrophic” tragedies. Some 33 children drown in England every year – “the equivalent of a classroom of children lost”. Drowning in the UK has become an “epidemic” and a “national emergency,” campaigners say, as we all join forces today to urge the Government to take urgent action.
View 3 ImagesPeople cool off at Warleigh Weir near Bath, Somerset(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
The Express reports Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has also urged the public not to jump into open water amid the ongoing heatwave, warning of the dangers of cold water shock.
A spokesperson said: “We urge people to avoid jumping into open water during hot weather. While the air temperature may be high, the water is much colder, and sudden immersion can trigger cold water shock.”
The safety campaign was backed by Darren Lloyd, whose son Jack, 16, died after entering Crown Lakes in Farcet.
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He said: “It’s incredibly difficult to speak out after losing a child, but we’ve done this to help others and save lives. If you are a young person watching this – you wouldn’t want to put your mum and dad through this.”
Britain is currently experiencing its fourth consecutive day of weather alerts, which have since been downgraded to amber following three days of red warnings. The June heat record was shattered on two successive days, with temperatures hitting 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday.