DROITWICH Spa Lifesaving Club is urging families to think about water safety education after 13 people lost their lives in open water in the record-breaking heatwave.
The club, affiliated to the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), said the deaths had brought into sharp focus why teaching young people to be safe in and around water cannot wait.
Temperatures broke records across England and Wales during the bank holiday week, reaching 35.1degrees at Kew Gardens on May 26 – the hottest May day ever recorded. Many of those who died had entered rivers, lakes or reservoirs to cool down, unaware of how cold the water remained beneath the surface.
“Warmer weather unfortunately sees an increase in accidental drownings.
“Water temperatures remain very cold despite increased air temperatures, and cold water shock can make swimming difficult and harder to get out of.”
The RLSS UK warned when air temperatures reached 25 degrees, accidental drowning rose fivefold.
Jim Bridge from the Water Safety Partnership urged anyone who got into difficulty in open water to use the ‘Float to Live’ technique.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live he said: “Lie on your back with your head back, with your ears submerged, use your arms and legs to stabilise yourself and just let your breathing come back to a normal breathing pattern.
“When you are feeling confident that your breathing is normal, you can shout for help or swim to save yourself.”
This season, while Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre has been undergoing a refurbishment, the club has been training at Droitwich Lido, giving younger members supervised experience of open-air swimming, learning about water conditions, safe entry and exit, and how to stay calm in unfamiliar environments.
The club runs the RLSS UK Rookie Lifeguard Programme, covering first aid, rescue skills, communications and hazard awareness, as well as swimming. It is open to young people from the age of nine.
The club is planning to welcome new members when it returns to the newly refurbished Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre in September.
Training takes place on Sunday evenings at 6pm.
Families with children aged nine or over who are interested in joining are urged to get on the waiting list now as places are limited.
Email the club at: [email protected] or visit: droitwichlifesaving.org.uk for more information.
