WITH temperatures soaring across Scotland, people are being urged to take extra care around open water.
Thousands of people are expected to visit coasts and lochs with unexpected high temperatures hitting the country, rising to 25.3C in Charterhall – making it the hottest day in Scotland so far.
Down south, England has recorded its all-time hottest May temperature as a part of London hit 33.5C.
The high was at Heathrow, in the capital’s west, the Met Office said shortly after 1pm on the bank holiday.
Wales and Northern Ireland also reached 2026 record temperatures of 27.4C in Cardiff and 23.4C in Armagh on Sunday.
While people attempt to cool off, the public have been urged to be cautious around water and be aware of the signs of cold water shock.
What is cold water shock?
Even the most confident of swimmers can get into difficulties.
Cold water shock causes the blood vessels in the skin to close, which increases the resistance of blood flow.
As a result, the heart is forced to work harder and your blood pressure goes up which can lead to heart attacks, even in the young and healthy.
The sudden cooling of the skin can also cause involuntary gasping for breath which contributes to a feeling of panic and increases the chance of inhaling water directly into the lungs.
What's the current advice?
Water Safety Scotland has stated: "Scorching in Scotland! If you’re dipping yourself in Scotland’s waterways, make sure you refresh yourself by following the Water Safety Code to have fun whilst keeping safe."
The code states: "If you unintentionally fall into the water: don’t try to swim straight away. Fight your instinct to swim hard or thrash about.
"Try to remain calm, relax, turn onto your back and float with your arms and legs extended. Once floating, and the initial effects of cold water shock have passed (about 90 seconds), call for help and look around for anything that can be used to help you float or get out of the water."
If you are intentionally in the water for an activity, you are advised to "check the weather and conditions before entering the water and wear a wetsuit or drysuit and a personal floatation device".
