The Met Office has issued a warning about cold water shock as it extends its amber heat alerts until Sunday. Temperatures in parts of Southeast England are expected to stay above 20C overnight, leading to the prolonged weather alert. The Met Office has extended an amber weather warning for extreme heat into the following day. Authorities are cautioning families about the risks at open water sites, emphasizing the dangers beyond swimming.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) highlighted the serious health risk of cold water, which can cause cold water shock, leading to sudden increases in breathing and heart rate. Samantha Hughes, the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI, emphasized the importance of being aware of the cold water’s potential dangers.
Cold water shock, as described by the Met Office, is a sudden response when the body encounters water below 15°C, even on hot days. This reaction can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness, or swimming ability.
Following the tragic deaths of at least nine individuals in open water during the previous heatwave, the RNLI advises people to practice the “Float to Live” method when in distress in the water. The Mirror’s campaign, “Save Lives for Sam,” aims to prevent such tragedies and address the growing issue of drowning in the UK.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service also warned the public against jumping into open water during the ongoing heatwave, citing the risks of cold water shock. Darren Lloyd, whose son tragically died after entering Crown Lakes in Farcet, supported the safety campaign, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness to prevent further losses.
As Britain experiences its fourth consecutive day of weather alerts, with amber warnings replacing the previous red warnings, the country witnessed record-breaking heat in June, reaching 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset.
