Latest news with #openwater
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
Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Telegraph
The golden rules of safe (and responsible) open-water swimming
Whether it's the sea, a river, lake, tidal pool, tarn, waterfall, pond or reservoir, more Britons than ever are enjoying the benefits of wild swimming. According to the Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS), 7.5 million people have turned to the open water since the pandemic. But what actually is open water swimming? Firstly, don't be intimidated by the words 'open water'. Anyone swimming outside of the controlled environment of a swimming pool – which is confined, life-guarded (in the UK) and filled with water that is monitored for quality – is engaging in open-water, or wild, swimming. The experience is as much about communing with nature as it is about exercise. There might be a sunrise or a sunset, geese in formation, a murmuration of starlings, or a kingfisher on a riverside perch. In colder months, when our instinct is to hibernate, a cold-water dip feels like cheating at winter. An open-water 'swim' might mean a plunge or a quick bob. Open-water swimming is one of the most inclusive activities to try. It is free, low impact, needs little to no equipment and can be a solo or a communal experience shared by swimmers of all ages. Outdoor swimming does carry an element of risk though, given the unknown perils of any body of water. The good news is it's easier than ever to arm yourself with the knowledge and technology to reduce risks. Here are some tips and techniques to help you stay safe in the water.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bury boss to celebrate anniversary with Lake District challenge
A Bury business owner is making a huge splash in Lake Windermere to celebrate the third anniversary of his company. Jobstore UK owner Gary Bradley has announced he will undertake a 5km open water swim in the late on June 13 to raise vital funds for charity partner, Positive Action in the Community (PAC). Since its inception, Jobstore UK has established itself as a 'different kind of recruitment agency', prioritising its social mission alongside commercial success. The company focuses specifically on giving easy access to 'good, meaningful work' to everyone and providing dedicated support for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Gary Bradley will take on a swimming challenge in Lake Windemere (Image: PAC) This has contributed to consistent year-on-year growth figures of 50 per cent and then 70 per cent. Mr Bradley said: "Reaching our third anniversary feels like a truly significant moment worth celebrating. "I am incredibly proud of the entire team's hard work and dedication, which has enabled us to exceed our targets and build something genuinely impactful. "Our success is built on the trust of our fantastic clients and the engagement of countless candidates who connect with our mission. "Our partnership with Positive Action in the Community is central to our identity. "Supporting an organisation that delivers so much value across the region reminds us exactly why we do what we do – recruitment with a conscience. "To further support their vital work, I'll be taking on a personal challenge: a 5km open water swim in Lake Windermere." He added: "Given some recent health issues, this will be particularly demanding, but it's for a cause close to our hearts, and any support would be hugely appreciated. "I am finding it difficult getting back into shape, but I'm up to 1,000m at the moment and only have to add another 4,000 to be able to complete the full swim." Read more: Friends set to complete hike for much-loved cause Bury-based family business expands with acquisition of wholesaler Funds raised will directly benefit PAC's programmes supporting individuals and families across the region affected by youth homelessness, domestic abuse or mental health challenges. Mr Bradley also thanked key partners who have contributed to Jobstore UK's success, including Orbital Design and ATTAIN Digital for website development, Better Networking Hubs for ongoing support, and Back Office Support Services for essential operational functions. Jobstore UK recently launched a new website at to celebrate the anniversary. To donate to Gary's fundraiser, visit
RNZ News
14-05-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
The restorative powers of winter ocean swimming
environment health 36 minutes ago It is getting colder but the cold does not dissuade people who swear by the restorative powers of open ocean swimming. And hey, it might just work for you. Simon Olliver is the president of the Canterbury Open Water Swimming Association, he's been an open water swimmer for thirty years He's swum the Cook Strait and the Foveaux Strait -- casually, as you do -- and practised his fair share of ice swimming.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dongguan's Elite Swimmer Chen Suwei Successfully Swims across the Strait of Gibraltar
DONGGUAN, China, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chen Suwei, an acclaimed swimmer from the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, recently managed to swim across the Strait of Gibraltar in 3 hours and 51 minutes. This achievement places the 57-year-old among the world's few who have conquered this symbolic fissure between Europe and Africa. Braving frigid waters off Tarifa, Spain on the morning of May 9, local time, Chen embarked on a formidable journey across the extremely treacherous open-water route and completed the crossing at the coast of Tangier, Morocco, nearly two hours ahead of schedule. The accomplishment is but the latest addition to his already remarkable résumé that includes crossing the English Channel, the Catalina Channel, and the Molokai Channel -- all regarded among the world's most challenging open-water routes. In doing so, Chen reaffirms the spirit of his home city: pioneering, bold, and unwavering. Guided by the Dongguan Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports, and organized by the Dongguan Swimming Association, the crossing served as a centerpiece of Dongguan's campaign to promote the upcoming 15th National Games of China. Through his actions, Chen compellingly embodies Dongguan's sportsmanship and urban dynamism on the global stage, while powerfully showcasing its rich legacy as the "City of Swimming". Scheduled for November 2025, the 15th National Games of China will take place across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, with Dongguan playing host to two flagship events: men's five-a-side basketball and weightlifting. By anchoring the Strait of Gibraltar crossing within this broader context, Dongguan is leveraging sport as an opportunity to invite the world to engage with the Greater Bay Area and participate in a shared celebration of athletic excellence that China has to offer. Source: Dongguan Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports CONTACT: Contact person: Mr. Guo, Tel: 86-10-63074558Sign in to access your portfolio
