The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning as the summer holidays begin across the UK. Millions of children are starting their six-week break from school, but the agency urges families to take simple steps to stay safe during the hot weather, including for older children gaining more independence.
Temperatures have already exceeded 30°C across the UK, including the north west, and the Met Office has forecast a warmer than average summer.
Heat health alerts and advice
An alert from the government body said: "Further heat health alerts could be issued throughout the summer as temperatures rise. Particularly young children can be susceptible to the effects of heat, as well as older age groups."
The warning added: "But anyone can be affected by particularly high temperatures and spending time outdoors, travelling and taking part in sports and other activities can increase the risk of becoming unwell if simple precautions are not taken."
UKHSA’s advice to families includes: keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun; drink plenty of fluids throughout the day; try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest. If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly. If you are going to do a physical activity, plan to do these during cooler times of the day, such as the morning or evening, and check weather forecasts. Also know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.
Open water safety warning
The warning also highlighted the dangers of cooling off in open water. UKHSA is joining forces with leading water safety charities to warn young adults of the risks. The advice comes ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, which aims to raise awareness of measures that can help prevent drowning and save lives.
UKHSA said: "While swimming can be a great way to enjoy the summer, open water can present serious and often hidden dangers. Evidence from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) shows that many of these tragedies are preventable."
A recent report found that in 87% of child drowning deaths, factors were identified that could have prevented the death, including lack of adult supervision, unsafe environments, accessible water and the absence of safety measures.
UKHSA added: "Even on warm days, water temperatures can remain dangerously cold. Entering cold water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, causing an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and loss of control in the water."
To stay safe around water: supervise children closely at all times; swim at lifeguarded locations whenever possible; enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the temperature; be aware that open water is usually much colder than it looks; leave the water immediately if you begin to feel cold or unwell; always swim with others and look out for each other; swim parallel to the shore rather than away from it; wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when taking part in activities such as boating, paddleboarding, kayaking or fishing; carry a means of calling for help whenever possible. If heading out alone, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. If you get into difficulty in the water, Float to Live by tilting your head back, floating on your back and controlling your breathing until help arrives or you are able to swim to safety.
