Dangers of cold water shock from open water swimming

People are being warned about the dangers of cold water shock from open water swimming.

The warning comes on World Drowning Prevention Day (Thursday 25 July) as more and more people enjoy a summer dip in the sea, rivers or other open water.

Matt Croxall, from the Royal Life Saving Society, said the main thing they wanted to emphasise was to “enjoy water safely.”

Speaking as part of a podcast from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to mark World Drowning Prevention Day, Matt said: “We’re certainly not going to try and put people off about getting out there and exploring open water. We know the benefits – physically, mentally, socially – of open water swimming. It’s a massive growth pastime and we want to encourage that, but it is all about trying to make sure you’re safe and following some rules to do so.

“There are real issues around cold water shock in particular when it comes to open water swimming and swimming at the coast.

“One key bit of advice would be if people do go out and access open water, to immerse themselves slowly and take the time to acclimatise to the water because that differential between the hot air temperature or warm air temperature in the summer months and the freezing cold water temperature can literally take people’s breath away.”

In Exeter, people are encouraged not to swim in the Exeter Ship Canal because of the dangers from underwater obstacles and propellers of boats. Double Locks – or anywhere beside canal lock gates - is a particularly dangerous spot. The gates have sluices that are well below the waterline, that create a strong underwater current that can easily drag people under.

Signs were put up a number of years ago warning people about the dangers of drowning as well as the disturbance to wildlife. The move was backed by the Fire Service and the Environment Agency.

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management said: “The Canal is not a safe place to be swimming in or jumping into.”

“Often people can’t see what they are jumping into and there are considerable risks from the propellers of boats and invisible underwater currents. As well as the risk from cold water shock, taking in water may be harmful and there is a threat to wildlife, especially nesting birds,” she added.

Listen to the podcast from CCW - the voice for water consumers with the Royal Life Saving Society about ways to stay safe in the water this summer: https://tinyurl.com/4xjzvur4