Safety experts are calling for increased awareness of open water dangers following the recent drowning deaths of three members of the same family on Shoreham beach. A young girl remains in critical condition after the incident, which witnesses claim may have involved a fishing net.
This incident occurs amidst a significant rise in water-related fatalities across the UK, with at least 35 deaths reported since May. Record-breaking hot weather has contributed to a surge in people entering rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, particularly affecting children and teenagers. Factors such as pandemic-related disruptions to swimming lessons, school budget cuts affecting swimming trips, and the closure of local pools have been cited as reasons why many young people lack essential swimming skills.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging the public to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures to provide assistance without endangering themselves.
Beach Safety Recommendations
Experts recommend swimming at beaches with lifeguards on duty whenever possible. RNLI lifeguards patrol over 240 beaches and possess extensive knowledge of local water conditions, tides, and weather. Signs at the beach often display important safety information.
Swimmers should remain within their depth and skill level, avoiding deep or open water unless they can confidently swim back to shore. Rip currents, which are fast-moving channels of water flowing away from the shore, can be as swift as an Olympic swimmer and can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. Identifying rip currents involves looking for narrower gaps of darker, calmer water flowing seaward, often bordered by breaking waves, or noticing lines of foam, seaweed, or discolored water moving away from the coast.
Wearing bright, neon clothing or swim caps can significantly improve visibility to lifeguards, boaters, and rescue teams, as these colors contrast sharply with ocean water. Conversely, dark or muted colors can quickly disappear beneath the surface.
Inflatables such as dinghies and some paddleboards are not recommended for use in open water, especially in windy conditions, as offshore winds can rapidly carry them out to sea. These items should be kept close to shore and supervised.
Children require constant supervision on the beach, as dangers can arise quickly. Armbands or lifeguards do not replace active parental watch. In group settings, a specific adult should be designated to watch children, and a meeting point should be agreed upon.
Understanding Cold Water Shock
Beyond drowning, cold water shock poses a significant risk in UK waters. This is an involuntary physiological response to immersion in water below 15°C (59°F), which can be fatal in extreme cases. The Met Office warns that anyone can be affected, regardless of swimming ability, as even on hot days, UK waters can remain cold enough to trigger this reaction.
Signs of getting too cold include shivering, weakness, disorientation, and shortness of breath. If these symptoms appear, it is advised to exit the water immediately and warm up with dry clothes and a hot drink, or a brisk walk.
Responding to Emergencies
In case of seeing someone in distress in the water, the advice is not to enter the water yourself. Instead, follow the 'phone, float, throw' principle: call emergency services (999 or 112) and ask for the Coastguard, instruct the struggling person to float, and throw them a buoyant object like a life ring.
If caught in difficulty in the water, floating on your back is recommended to conserve energy and increase survival chances. This technique allows for controlled breathing, helps manage cold water shock and rip currents, and provides time to call for help or swim to safety.