Water safety experts have issued urgent warnings after at least nine people died in water-related incidents across the UK during the current heatwave. Seven of the victims were young people, with deaths reported in Cheshire, Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Hampshire, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Cornwall and Pembrokeshire.
Dr Heather Massey, an associate professor at the University of Portsmouth, said the deaths were likely caused by cold water shock. “Unfortunately, this is something we see every year. It’s a known problem when the air temperature increases rapidly but the water is still very cold,” she said. The cold shock triggers involuntary gasping, rapid breathing and a surge in heart rate, which can be fatal when people jump or dive into cold water.
Massey advised people to swim only at supervised locations with lifeguards, and to enter the water gradually to allow their breathing to settle. The National Water Safety Forum’s “Float to Live” campaign recommends rolling onto your back, tilting your head back, and staying calm until help arrives. For those witnessing someone in difficulty, the advice is to phone the coastguard or fire brigade, tell the person to float, and throw them something buoyant.
Gavin Ellis, drowning prevention lead at the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “No family should have to experience the devastation of losing a loved one in the water.” Research from Bournemouth University found that accidental drowning deaths are three times higher on days above 25°C, with most victims being men, often under the influence of alcohol.
