The council has asked for this relevant information to be communicated in regards to the recent spell of good weather and the dangers of open water and cold water shock. Please read carefully to help keep adults and children safe around water over the summer.
With the peak of the heatwave - we are asking for everyone to read the heatwave float to live assets on any channels you have access to. Assets are below and some text also if you wish to include.
https://rnli.org/safety/float/float-resources?type=heatwave&lang=uk#uk
‘It’s hot out there, but it’s cold in here’
The sea or open water may look inviting to people during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly.
When someone gets into difficulty in the water, their instinct is often to panic and swim hard. Float to Live helps them regain control by following these steps:
- Tilt your head back, submerging your ears.
- Relax and control your breathing.
- Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat.
- Your legs may sink – that’s OK. Everyone floats differently.
- Practise floating at a supervised location like a swimming pool.
If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:
- Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
- Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
- Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.
RNLI Classification: Public Release
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