How to survive
Cold water shock
Cold water can cause your body to go into shock, no matter how fit you are. It causes panic, anxiety, disorientation and loss of muscle control. These reactions can also make you gasp for air and accidentally inhale water.
All waters in and around the UK are cold enough to cause cold water shock. The water may feel warm on the surface but it can be icy cold underneath, even in hot weather.
Here’s how to manage the effects of cold water shock:
- Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away.
- Relax and float. Keep your head back so your face is above the water and you can catch your breath.
- Try to get hold of something that will help you float.
- Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you’re able.
Take a look at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Float to live video:
How to help someone else
Resist the instinct to jump in and help. We need you to tell the emergency services where to look.
Call 999 and follow this advice:
- Shout for help.
- Give a location, or describe any visible landmarks or signs. The free what3words app can help you pinpoint your location, so download it now.
- Encourage a person in difficulty to stay calm and float.
- Throw any nearby life-saving equipment such as a lifebuoy or a throwline, or anything that will float.
- Keep your eyes on the person, or animal. If you lose sight of them keep your eyes on the point you last saw them until the emergency services arrive, and you can point them to the right location.
