With temperatures to continue in the mid to late 20s, people have been warned against jumping into rivers to cool down.
While many may want to take a dip in waterways to take the sting out of the heat, this can pose a huge safety risk, and the Royal Life Saving Society and London Fire Brigade have both issued warnings to people to think before they plunge into a river.
Last year, more than 100 people died in river incidents in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Lee Heard, charity director of RLSS UK, said: “With June, July, and August proving to be the months with the most fatalities, it is vitally important that everyone has an understanding of water safety, especially during the summer months. We have seen a rise in the number of drownings over the past few years, with peaks during the summer.”
The LFB has offered tips for people to stay safe around water. It said:
- Don’t go into the water if someone else is in trouble – call the fire brigade or the Coast Guard
- Never drink alcohol and then go for a swim or attempt to jump into water
- Avoid walking/running near water on your own or late at night - it’s easier than you think to slip and fall in
The LFB has also offered advice of what to do if someone does get in trouble in the water. If you go into the water to rescue people, pets or belongings, you could be putting yourself at risk as well. Instead the LFB say you should follow the steps outlined below:
- Dial 999 and ask for the fire brigade (and the coastguard if necessary)
- If you don’t have a mobile phone, shout to raise the alarm, or go and get help
- Try to give an exact location of where you are. Look around for any landmarks or signs; for example bridges will often have numbers on them which can identify their position
- If a person is in trouble, keep talking to them, encourage them to stay calm and float on their back
- Keep your eyes on the spot where you last saw them so you can tell the emergency services when they arrive
- If there is life saving equipment such as a lifebuoy or a throwline nearby throw it to them. If not, throw anything that will float
People should also be aware of cold water, which can cause the body to go into shock no matter how fit anyone is, causing panic, anxiety, disorientation and loss of muscular control. Anything below 15C is defined as cold water, and on average the UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C. Rivers can be just as cold even in the summer.
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