A doctor has issued a warning about the dangers of cold water shock following a series of open-water deaths during last month's UK heatwave. In June, 17 people, mostly teenagers, lost their lives in incidents across Pembrokeshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Lancashire.
Understanding Cold Water Shock
Dr Erica, in a TikTok video, explained that many of these deaths could have been prevented with better water safety knowledge. She emphasized that cold water shock can incapacitate even strong, fit adults within seconds, and it is not about being a weak swimmer. The doctor noted that natural bodies of water like lakes and the sea are only around 12 degrees Celsius at this time of year, making the risk of cold water shock high.
When the body is abruptly immersed in cold water, it triggers shock, leading to rapid breathing, hyperventilation, and an elevated heart rate. This increases the risk of drowning and cardiac arrest, even in young people and strong swimmers.
Safety Advice from Experts
Dr Erica advised against swimming alone and recommended slowly submerging into the water rather than jumping in. Samantha Hughes, national water safety partner at the RNLI, echoed this, stating that entering cold water unexpectedly can cause a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic. She advised people to "Float to Live" by tilting their head back, relaxing, and controlling their breathing.
The NHS also provides guidance for those who find themselves in cold open water unexpectedly: take a minute to let the initial effects pass, relax and float on your back to keep your face above water, and call for help or swim to safety when able.
