Charities, health organisations, and water sports groups have teamed up to issue advice for open water swimmers ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, which is held annually on 25 July. Drowning is obviously a tragic event, and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in most cases it is preventable.
Who is most at risk of drowning?
To mark the day this year, WHO has issued some evidence-based drowning prevention interventions that could potentially save a life. While most drownings occur in low to middle income countries, they can occur in just a few moments at any given time and location.
Children under five are at the greatest risk of drowning, and it’s among the top ten leading causes of death in people aged one to 24 years.
How can the risk of drowning be reduced?
WHO’s advice includes keeping watch over children at all times when they are in the water; training in safe rescue and resuscitation techniques; and teaching children of school age basic swimming skills and water safety and rescue skills. Furthermore, neglecting to wear buoyancy aids and entering the water under the influence of alcohol can increase risk.
How can you stay safe when swimming in open water?
Use dedicated swimming sites
Here in the UK, groups and organisations are issuing safety advice to open water swimmers who might be planning to take an impromptu dip in the nearest lake or reservoir. It’s always strongly recommended to swim outdoors at dedicated cold water bathing sites, or venues such as Shepperton Open Water Swimming Lake.
This is a dedicated swimming lake in Shepperton, Middlesex, with very high standards of safety. It’s necessary to book in advance and register if it’s your first time. You will be booked in for an induction swim to familiarise yourself with the lake rules, and undertake a swim test with a qualified lifeguard and instructor.
The test is designed to assess your current swimming abilities, and to check that you have the required level of skills and confidence to swim in an open water environment, including being able to swim 150 metres at the minimum. After successfully completing the induction test, you will be able book your swimming sessions via an online platform.
Under 18s must swim with a coach, and all swimming sessions will be supervised. It’s recommended that all swimmers wear a specific swimming wetsuit that is designed to provide insulation and aid buoyancy and streamlining in the water. Wetsuits that are designed for surfing may not be suitable, as they can hinder your movement.
Furthermore, all swimmers in the lake must wear a brightly coloured cap so that they can be seen easily in the water. This is for the benefit of other water users, as well as to make you easier to spot should you get into difficulties.
Water safety at wild swimming sites
Unless a site is specifically dedicated as an open water bathing site, it’s advisable not to swim in it, and in some cases swimming might be expressly forbidden by the relevant authorities. Do not ignore these warnings, as they will be in place for very good reasons, such as high levels of pollution, submerged objects in the water, or strong currents.
Sadly, every hot spell during the summer months will usually bring tragic media reports of people accidently drowning after jumping into a canal, river, or other open water for a cooling dip. Never swim alone or after consuming drugs or alcohol, and always check the water carefully for underwater obstacles such as reeds and rocks first.
Local councils around the country will be reiterating safety advice this summer. Steve Quinton, Avon Fire & Rescue Service Area Manager, said: “Knowing how to keep yourself and others safe in and around water is vital, but so is knowing what to do in an emergency.”
“If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to live by lying on your back and stretching out your arms and legs. If someone else is in trouble, never enter the water after them, instead, call 999 and use something like a river rescue cabinet to offer assistance from the side.”
If you suffer from diarrhoea or vomiting after wild swimming, self isolate and seek medical help if the symptoms do not improve after a few days.
