The RNLI has issued an urgent open water safety warning following the deaths of four teenagers, including a girl from the Midlands, during the Bank Holiday weekend heatwave. The charity confirmed on Tuesday, May 26, that while air temperatures reached record highs for May, water temperatures remained dangerously low, increasing the risk of cold water shock.
Understanding Cold Water Shock
Cold water shock can cause hyperventilation, a sudden surge in heart rate, and a spike in blood pressure as the body reacts to the cold water. In severe cases, even strong swimmers can drown as the body struggles to cope with the temperature change. The RNLI stated: "While the air temperature is warm, the seas are still cold and cold water shock remains a very real risk. With many school children enjoying half term, we urge everyone to stay safe."
Bank Holiday Tragedies
Police forces across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, and Devon and Cornwall were called to separate fatal incidents involving four teenagers and a man in his 60s. On Sunday, the body of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer was recovered from Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln after he entered the water and went missing at around 2:30 PM.
On Monday afternoon, a 13-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty at Leadbeater Dam near Halifax, West Yorkshire. He was retrieved from the water and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. That same afternoon, a man in his 60s suffered a cardiac arrest and died after entering the sea at Tregirls Beach, Padstow, while trying to help two family members in difficulty. Bystanders brought the two family members to safety.
On Monday evening, the body of a teenage girl was found in the water at Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire. A witness reported that her father had "frantically" tried to save her. Early Tuesday morning, the body of a fourth teenager was discovered at Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire, after he went missing on Monday evening. A specialist search operation was launched at 6:50 PM following reports that the boy had entered the water but was not seen exiting.
Safety Advice
The RNLI urges the public to be aware of the dangers of open water, especially during warm weather when cold water shock can be unexpected. The charity advises entering the water slowly, wearing a life jacket, and avoiding alcohol before swimming. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
