RNLI warns Cornwall of cold water risk as heat tops 30C

The sea off Cornwall has rarely looked more inviting than it does right now. And that, the RNLI says, is exactly the problem.

With red and amber extreme heat warnings in place across much of the UK, the lifeboat charity is urging anyone heading to the coast to remember a handful of simple safety messages, and to pass them on to the people they love. The reason is blunt. Young people and teenagers made up the majority of drowning deaths during the last heatwave, and as air temperatures push past 30C, more of them are heading to the water to cool off.

Why hot air does not mean warm water

This is the part that catches people out. The air might be sweltering, but the water is not.

Even in a heatwave the sea and open water stay cold enough to trigger cold water shock. That can cause uncontrollable gasping and a spike in heart rate, and it can tip someone into panic and drowning very quickly. The advice is to get in slowly and let your body adjust rather than jumping or diving straight in.

Ross Macleod, RNLI Water Safety Manager, said: “As the exceedingly hot weather continues, we are urging families to talk about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water. This could be a conversation that saves lives.

“Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of. The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly. It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise.”

What to do if you get into trouble: Float to Live

If you find yourself in difficulty, the instinct is to thrash and fight it. Ross says do the opposite.

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. It is fine if your legs sink, because everyone floats differently. Once your breathing is back under control, call for help or swim to safety.

As Ross put it, floating “buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety.”

What to do if you see someone else struggling: Phone, Float, Throw

The hardest part of this one is resisting the urge to go in after them. The RNLI is clear that you should not, because you could end up in serious difficulty yourself.

Instead, remember three words. Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Tell the struggling person to float. Throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.

Pick a lifeguarded beach

Ross said the safest choice for anyone visiting the coast this weekend is a lifeguarded beach, where you should swim between the red and yellow flags.

“If you can’t choose a lifeguarded beach, find out about your chosen beach before you visit. Check weather and tide times and read local safety signage. By remembering this advice and sharing it widely, we can all play a role in helping to save more lives from drowning.”

The RNLI recommends checking online to find your nearest lifeguarded beach before setting off. The charity’s lifeguard service is marking 25 years of keeping beaches safer this year.

Before you head out in the heat, the RNLI’s checklist is short. Check the weather and tide times before you leave. Choose a lifeguarded beach where you can. Swim between the red and yellow flags. If you get into trouble, Float to Live. And if you see someone else in trouble, Phone, Float, Throw.