In light of the recent warm and dry weather, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to be aware of the dangers of swimming in open water. Figures released by the Royal Life Saving Society state that around 85 per cent of accidental drownings occur at open water sites.

Station manager Neil Evans, community safety, said: “The recent glorious weather has tempted many of us to venture for a swim in open waters. However, we urge people to only enter the water at lifeguarded sites and avoid swimming in lakes or rivers.

Do not jump into the water from heights, the depth of the water changes and will be particularly low during periods of warm and dry weather, as we are currently experiencing. The depth of water can be difficult to judge and may contain hidden rubbish and debris which can cause injuries and drowning.

Cold water shock is another danger associated with jumping into water. The temperatures of open water, such as rivers and lakes, can be much colder than anticipated, especially in fast flowing sections.  Cold water removes heat from the body 32 times faster than cold air causing cold shock – gasping, cramps, and inhalation of water, heart attack, stroke and rapid drowning.”?

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service urges the public to heed the following advice issued by the Royal Life Saving Society.

Don’t:

Swim at unsupervised (un-lifeguarded sites) including lakes, quarries reservoirs and rivers

Jump into the water until you have acclimatised to the water temperature

Jump into the water from heights or ‘tombstone’

Swim into deep water which will be colder

 Do:

Swim at supervised (lifeguarded) sites

Swim parallel with the shore, where you can quickly get to safety

Swim with friends or family, so that you can help each other if you need to

Look for signs and advice about the specific dangers at the place where you are swimming

Think about what you will do if something goes wrong

Contact a reputable outdoor pursuit or coasteering centre if you want to take part in more extreme activities

Further advice, information and guidance is available from the Royal Life Saving Society (https://rlss.org.uk/), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (https://rnli.org/), and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (http://mawwfire.gov.uk) websites.