As drowning deaths increase in Scotland, it's important to know what to do when swimming in open water.
Monday, July 25 marks World Drowning Prevention Day, with health officials urging people to stay safe in the water.
In Scotland, cases of deaths and cold water shock can shoot up during summer months with 58 people sadly losing their lives to accidental drowning last year, according to Water Safety Scotland. That's the highest number recorded in the last five years.
Some 67 percent of drowning deaths were in inland open waterways such as rivers, canals and lochs.
This comes as two children and four adults were rescued from a campsite in Loch Lomond after a spell of extreme weather led to them getting into difficulty yesterday.
Their two tents were completely submerged in what appears to be deep water as rescue teams sped to the scene to assist those in trouble.
Last year, seven people died over one weekend at Loch Lomond in the 'summer of tragedy' of drowning deaths.
Here is everything you need to know about staying safe in the water for those who have summer plans that involve swimming - or even just bodies of water.
The Water Safety Code
According to Scotland's Water Safety Code, you should keep the possibility of drowning in mind whenever you are near a body of water.
The three core points of the code are as follows:
- Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers
- Stay Together, Stay Safe
- In an Emergency, Call 999
Spotting potential dangers could significantly reduce potential risks such as rip currents, offshore winds and the tide.
You should make sure there is a safe way out of any body of water that you plan to go into, or stay nearby.
Water Safety Scotland also reminds people that Scotland’s Waters can be very cold even in the summer which can lead to Cold Water Shock.
What to do if you are drowning
In some cases you cannot avoid a water-related incident, so if you find yourself drowning here is what you should do.
According to Water Safety Scotland, these steps could help reduce your risks of drowning.
- Float – If you are in trouble in the water, float until you feel calm…then think what to do next
- If you fall into water, fight your instinct to swim until cold water shock passes
- Lean back, extend your arms and legs
- If you need to, gently move your arms around to help you float
- Float until you can control your breathing
- Then call for help or swim to safety
They add that it is better to go near the water with a friend or family member, as someone could potentially save you or alert authorities.
Cold water shock
Cold water shock - or CWS - is an involuntary response by the body being suddenly or unexpectedly immersed into water.
It can occur in waters under 15C, and could cause a heart attack. It could also cause you to gasp which may cause you to inhale water, increasing the risks of drowning.
The initial effects of Cold Water Shock will pass in about 90 seconds, according to Water Safety Scotland.
During this time it is important to stay calm and fight your instinct to swim hard or thrash about. Once it passes you can call for help or find a way to swim to safety.
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