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RNLI urge swimmers to stay safe this Christmas and New Year

Lifeboats News Release

For thousands of people along the coast, a festive dip in the sea is a Christmas tradition.

Cold Water Shock image

RNLI

Cold Water Shock
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Boxing Day and New Year's Day Dips are taking place up and down the North East coast - but before you take the plunge, the RNLI is offering some tips to help you stay safe in the water.

Cold water shock is a major cause of drowning and can happen when people enter water that is colder than around 15 degrees C.

The best way to avoid cold water shock when taking part in a dip is to wear a wetsuit.

If this isn't possible, the RNLI encourages people to walk into the sea slowly and to stay in shallow water to allow your body to acclimatise to the cold water.

Nick Ayres, RNLI Community Safety Partner, said: ‘Many swimmers are planning to take the plunge with their families and friends over the holidays.

'As the charity that saves lives at sea, we are here to make people aware of what to do if they or their fellow swimmers get into trouble.

'We want people to enjoy the water, but also remember it is winter when the sea is at its coldest!

'Before going in, we urge people to remember the risks of cold water shock and what to do if it happens to them. The simple act of floating could save a life.

'Swimmers also need to be aware of large waves which can unexpectedly knock them off their feet.'

Cold water shock causes uncontrollable gasping, which increases the risk of swallowing water and puts a strain on the heart. In extreme cases it can cause cardiac arrest.

If you're suffering from cold water shock, you should fight your instinct to thrash around and swim hard, instead just lie back and float.

The initial shock should pass in less than a minute, and when you have regained control of your breathing, you can then try swimming to safety or calling for help.

This skill will give you a far better chance of staying alive should you get into difficulty.

Nick added 'We encourage those who plan on taking a festive dip to join a scheduled event, as they will be in good company with other swimmers, as well as safety staff.

If you see someone else in trouble in the water, fight the instinct to go in yourself. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The RNLI has comprehensive advice on staying safe at the beach at https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety

Ends

For more information please contact Adrian Don, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07834 731833

Notes to Editors

The RNLI has a wealth of water safety information available at https://rnli.org/safety

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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