The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) has urged the public to avoid swimming in unsupervised open water following a spate of drownings during recent hot weather. At least 28 people have died in water across the UK since 14 July, according to RLSS charity director Lee Heard.
Among the victims was a 19-year-old man who died near St Anne's Pier in Lancashire, and a 16-year-old boy who drowned at Loch Lomond in Scotland. The family of a 21-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent who died at Crosby beach in Merseyside described him as 'amazing' and 'always smiling'.
HM Coastguard reported nine deaths at the coast in the previous 10 days. Officer Fran Wilkins warned of 'a lot of dangers and risks' on beaches, noting that swimmers can 'very quickly get into a situation where you may need help'.
The RLSS advises people to choose supervised spots such as lifeguarded beaches or inland lakes with lifeguards. Lee Heard cautioned that those without substantial experience in cold open water should not go in. He highlighted risks such as cold water shock, which can impair breathing even in warm weather.
The charity recommends that if caught in difficulty, swimmers should roll onto their back to control breathing, then swim towards an exit or find something to float on, and call for help. World Drowning Prevention Day is observed on 25 July, with the RNLI noting that drowning claims an estimated 235,000 lives globally each year.
The Met Office has forecast a potential period of high pressure with above-average temperatures in parts of the UK in mid-August, raising further concerns about water safety.
