With temperatures rising across the region, many of us will undoubtedly be heading to the beautiful North East coast for days out at the beach this summer - but rescue services are urging people to take caution when swimming in the sea.
The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, who has responded to 57 callouts so far this year, have issued some advice for those who plan to cool down with a dip in the sea. The main concern for swimmers, explains the coastal rescue service, is being struck with cold water shock.
“The sea never gets warm - we’re not in the Med, so it’s always going to be cold,” warns Peter Lilley, secretary, captain and press officer at the TVLB . Cold water shock causes the blood vessels in the skin to close and the heart rate to increase - it can happen in water colder than 15°C, and the average sea temperature in the UK is just 12°C.
