Devon swimmers warned about dangers of cold water shock
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 shore.He 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 process.He added that said the initial shock passed within 30 to 90 seconds, so entering the water gradually could reduce the risk.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 spring.While the air temperature got hotter, open water temperatures often stayed much colder, it added.Water below 16C (60.8F) was considered dangerous for cold water shock, the NWSF said.Many 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
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