| Dear Helen
Drowning accidents are especially high in the summer months. Over the last Month there have been over 50 water related tragedies across the country that could have been avoided.
Every year people drown both at home and on holiday because they don’t take simple precautions, We want people to enjoy the water safely. Please help to avoid another tragic summer this year by spreading the following water safety advice far and wide.
If you spot someone in trouble in the water:
Inland – Call 999 and ask for Fire Service
Coastal – Call 999 and ask Coastguard
Cold Water Shock – the Facts
Even in really cold water, it takes at least 30 minutes for you to become hypothermic. Crucially, hypothermia remains a risk even when you get out of the water unless you get out of the cold and warm up efficiently and quickly.
Is cold water shock really responsible for lots of drownings?
It is difficult to identify if cold water shock was the cause of a drowning or not, but this is what we know:
All waters around the UK are cold enough to induce the cold shock effects, even in high summer.
Over 60% of drownings are of people who have ended up in the water by accident, so they’re normally very close to the edge, but something stops them from being able to get out safely.
A sudden rise in blood pressure can be fatal for people with a pre-existing heart condition. Each year a number of people who are suspected of drowning, turn out to have had a heart attack.
Studies show that people’s ability to swim in cold water is much less than their ability in a warm swimming pool.
Survivors of drowning have described how the effects of cold water shock made it difficult for them to survive.
What should you do if you fall into the water?
First, keep your mouth away from the water until you have your breathing back under control, you can do this by rolling onto your back and floating or paddling to stay at the surface.
Then, don’t waste any time and swim towards an exit before your muscles start to cool, or swim towards something that will help you to stay afloat whilst you are calling for help.
Finally, once you are out of the water re-warm yourself as soon as you can to avoid hypothermia.
What should you do if you see someone in the water?
Step 1. Keep alert
Don’t expect a casualty to be shouting for help. They may be struggling to breathe, and drowning looks very different to how it is portrayed in the movies.
If you’re not sure, shout: ‘Do you need help?’ If they say yes or don’t answer at all, it’s time to act.
Step 2. Resist temptation
Don’t be tempted to go in. The water might be cold, which will limit your ability to swim. And whatever has caused the casualty to need help is likely to happen to you too. Stay well back from the edge.
Step 3. Call 999 or 112
Call the emergency services before you do anything else, so help will be on its way.
Or ask someone else to call while you try to help the casualty. If you’re alone without a phone, find someone who can call for help.
Step 4. Shout and signal
From the shore you have a better view of the area than the casualty. Shout and encourage them to reach a life ring in the water, a jetty, or a shallower area of water. Remind them to kick their legs
5. Find a rescue aid
If there is a life ring, throw bag (filled with rope), or other public rescue aid equipment nearby, quickly read any instructions then throw it to the casualty.
If there is no public rescue aid equipment, throw anything that will float.
Step 6. Safe rescue
Before you pull the casualty in, get down on one knee or lie down so you don’t fall in.
Remember, even if your rescue attempts fail, emergency services are on their way. Keep sight of the casualty to help the emergency services locate them quicker.
Please stay safe, and enjoy the sunshine and the water safely this Summer.
Kind regards
Stacey Moore
Community safety officer – Homes, Roads and Water
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
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