Advice issued in Cornwall ahead of festive sea swimming events
RNLI and seasoned swimmers in Cornwall are urging those thinking of taking the plunge this winter to follow vital safety advice
Swimmers in Cornwall are being urged to be extra cautious and to understand the risks involved when swimming in cold water, as many prepare to take a dip over the holiday season.
In early December, the volunteer RNLI crew at Portishead, Somerset, rescued a sea swimmer who could not get back to shore and had been in the sea for 80 minutes when the lifeboat arrived. The RNLI encourages people to enjoy our coastal waters but the charity’s aim is that everyone should come home safely at the end of the day.
Last Wednesday at Towan Beach, Newquay, sea swimmers Ann-Marie Dale and Katie Richards were on hand to explain how to enjoy a cold water dip while staying safe this winter.
Ann-Marie Dale, who volunteers as Lifeboat Press Officer at Newquay RNLI, took up swimming during the lockdown in March and has been continuing to take the plunge even as the temperature has dropped.
"There are a number of things to help ensure you have an enjoyable and safe time in the water. It is really important to go into the water slowly so you can get used to the temperature and avoid cold water shock.
"Always swim with someone else, stay in your depth and know how to warm up properly afterwards. That may sound obvious but is very important to avoid any delayed effects of the cold.
"If you’re not feeling up to it that day, please stay out of the water. The sea will still be there for another swim tomorrow – and the day after. If you or anyone else does get into trouble please call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard."
Ann-Marie Dale, Newquay RNLI
Katie Richards runs ‘Swimminwimmin’ a new Newquay-based group with over 300 active members. She has been for a swim in the sea every day since the start of 2020.
"Local swimming groups are a great way to find others to swim with safely and keep up to date with important advice for your area – such as sea temperatures, tides, and swell. It’s also a great way to learn tips from for experienced swimmers, like the importance of staying visible with colourful caps and tow floats.
"Fortunately, no one in our group has needed rescuing but many of us are down here today swimming safely as part of a ’12 Bays of Christmas’ swimming challenge to fundraise for Newquay RNLI and in recognition of the fact that those volunteers are always on hand if any of us did get into difficulty. We have so far raised over £3000."
Katie Richards, Swimminwimmin
The RNLI’s key safety advice for taking a winter dip is:
- Don’t swim alone – always go with someone else to a familiar spot
- Always check the weather forecast, including tide information and wave height
- If in doubt, stay out – there is always another day to go for a swim
- Take plenty of warm clothes for before and after your dip, along with a hot drink or a hot water bottle to help you warm up again when you come out of the water
- Wearing a wetsuit will help increase your buoyancy and reduce the chances of suffering cold water shock
- Be seen – wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float
- Acclimatise to the water temperature slowly – never jump straight in
- Stay in your depth and know your limits
- If you get into trouble remember FLOAT to live by leaning back in the water, extending your arms and legs, and resisting the urge to thrash around to gain control of your breathing
- Take a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch
- If you or someone else is in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
RNLI lifesavers continued to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep people safe as people flocked to the coast this summer, and our dedicated volunteers will remain on call 24/7 throughout Christmas, ready to launch to save lives at sea. As a charity, the RNLI relies on the support of the public to continue saving lives – and that support is needed now more than ever.
If you would like to make a donation to the RNLI's Christmas Appeal, visit their website here.