The Met Office has placed parts of the UK under an amber heat alert today, extending the warning to Sunday as temperatures in southeast England are not expected to drop below 20°C overnight. Alongside the heat warning, the agency has issued a cold water shock alert, cautioning those heading to open water to cool down during the heatwave.
Cold Water Risk During Heatwave
Samantha Hughes, the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI, told the Met Office that despite rising air temperatures, water temperatures remain very cold. Cold-water shock can make swimming difficult and hinder getting out of the water. She urged: "It's important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic."
Recent Fatalities Highlight Danger
The warning follows at least nine deaths in the water during May's heatwave, including 12-year-old Junior Slater. The RNLI advises those in trouble to "Float to Live": tilt the head back, relax, and control breathing. "Where possible, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency remember to call 999 for the coastguard," Hughes added.
Fire Service Urges Caution
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service asked people not to jump into open water during the current heatwave. A spokesperson said: "We urge people to avoid jumping into open water during hot weather. While the air temperature may be high, the water is much colder, and sudden immersion can trigger cold water shock."
Family Shares Tragic Loss
The safety campaign was supported by Darren Lloyd, whose son Jack, 16, died after entering Crown Lakes in Farcet. He said: "It's incredibly difficult to speak out after losing a child, but we've done this to help others and save lives. If you are a young person watching this - you wouldn't want to put your mum and dad through this."
Heatwave Continues
The UK is on its fourth consecutive day of weather alerts, which have decreased to amber after three days of red warnings. The June record for hot weather was broken on two consecutive days, reaching 36.7°C in Merryfield, Somerset on Thursday.
