With the Met Office issuing a Red Warning for Heat, the highest level of alert possible, Surf Life Saving GB is mobilising its volunteer network to help protect the public at beaches, rivers, lakes, and other open water locations across the UK.
A Red Warning means there is a risk to life for everyone, not just those considered vulnerable. As temperatures soar, thousands of people are expected to seek relief at open water sites, many of whom will be unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface.
Surf Life Saving GB volunteers help prevent drowning
Surf Life Saving GB clubs are mobilising volunteer lifeguards across the country to run additional water safety patrols on Wednesday and Thursday.
A further 200 Surf Life Saving GB Search and Rescue volunteers have been stood up to patrol high-risk areas under the direction of their respective regional leads.
The charity’s response is being coordinated with government, emergency services, and Local Resilience Forums as they mobilise preventative action nationwide.
A visible lifesaving presence makes a real difference by educating the public on water safety, identifying and intervening in risky behaviour, and supporting those in difficulty before incidents happen.
The Hidden Danger: Cold Water Shock
While air temperatures may feel tropical, our waters are not. UK waters are only now emerging from winter temperatures, and entering cold water unexpectedly can trigger Cold Water Shock, an involuntary gasp response that can lead to breathing difficulties, panic, and drowning.
When UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, there is a fivefold increase in accidental drowning risk, when compared to days with an average temperature of 10°c . During the last major UK heatwave, 19 lives were tragically lost to drowning.
How You Can Help
While the Red Warning is in force, please heed safety warnings and spread the message to friends and family.
Surf Life Saving GB key water safety actions:
- Learn the Waer Safety Code
- Remember Float to Live
- Understand Cold Water Shock
- Check local signs and flags for risks so you are aware of dangers and water conditions before entering the water. Where possible, choose a lifeguarded beach or inland water area
- Know your location. Note the beach or inland water area name, address, and landmarks in case emergency services need to find you
Water Safety Code
An equivalent of a classroom of children drowns each year in England[1].
The Water Safety Code has been developed to teach children and young people to stay safe in and near the water. It is integrated into the ‘Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education (RSHE)’ statutory guidance for schools in England.
The Water Safety Code:
- Stop and think – Is the area safe? Is the activity safe? What is the group’s skill level?
- Stay together – Do not swim or engage in activities near the water on your own
- Call 999 or 112 – In an emergency, ask for the Coastguard. Don’t enter the water
- Float to Live – If you fall in, stay calm, float on your back and call for help.
Float to Live
The core self-rescue technique is called Float to Live. This technique is vital for both self-rescue and responding to someone else in trouble. The advice in both cases is the same: float first, then act.
Use STAR as a memory aid: Stay calm, Tilt head back (submerge ears), Arms and legs stretched wide, Regain control and call for help.
Practise floating at a supervised location. Shout ‘Help!’ whilst waving one arm (two arms cause a person to sink).
Throw something that floats if you see a person in difficulty.
Cold Water Shock
Cold water shock is how the body reacts to suddenly entering cold water. It causes an uncontrollable gasp reflex, which can cause a person to inhale water. It can leave someone helpless in seconds, with even the fittest person unable to swim or control their breathing.
Cold water shock key facts
All UK waters are potentially cold enough to induce cold water shock, even in high summer.
The initial effects pass in less than a minute.
Do not try to swim straight away. Relax and follow the Float to Live guidance until breathing is under control.
How to reduce the risk:
- Check conditions, including water temperature, before entering the water
- Acclimatise: Enter the water slowly, get used to the temperature and get your breathing under control
- Know your limits. Do not overexert yourself
- Wear a flotation device or high visibility swim float where appropriate
- Wear a wetsuit suitable for the activity and water temperature
FLAGS
A simplified message for children to remember when they go to the beach:
- F. Find the Red & Yellow flags and swim between them
- L. Look out for dangers and safety signs
- A. Ask a lifeguard for safety advice
- G. Go swimming with people, never alone
- S. Slip, Slap, Slop, Slurp, Slide — the 5 S’s of Sun Safety
[1] ‘Deaths of children and young people due to traumatic incidents’, National Child Mortality Database Programme Thematic Report, Published July 2023.
