Wild swimmers in Cornwall warned to stay away from boats and harbours
The RNLI has issued advice after reports of people coming dangerously close to vessels
Last updated 12th Dec 2021
Wild swimmers in Cornwall are being urged to make sure they are safe when they go in the water this winter.
Safety advice to swimmers includes being visible and staying away from boats and ships, following several reports of people coming dangerously close to vessels in recent months.
The official warning also comes after a swimmer was swept out to sea near Newquay and was noticed by rescue teams due to her pink swim hat.
Joel Ninnes, RNLI Water Safety Officer for the South West says: "We’d encourage wild swimmers to join a group and always swim with a tow float, a bright swimming cap, suitable swim wear and keep your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
"Make sure you acclimatise to cold water slowly as this will reduce the risk of cold water shock and always swim parallel to the shore. If you feel cold and start to shiver, get out of the water and warm yourself up".
Lifeguard cover on Cornwall’s beaches has finished for the year and seasonal weather can cause difficult sea conditions and promote accidents in the water.
This comes with an urgent request for swimmers to be aware of troubles they could face and how to get out of them.
Councillor Loïc Rich, Chair of the Cornwall Harbour’s Board, said: "We have seen a big rise in the number of people taking up wild swimming in recent years.
"It’s great to see people staying active but there have been several incidents where swimmers have come very close to boats and ships. Sometimes they cannot be seen by other water users and this can potentially result in very serious injury".
In the past few months there have also been several incidents where people have been put in danger by swimming close to harbours.
Loïc Rich continued: "For their own safety, we are urging swimmers to stay away from harbours, which can get very busy, and to follow the advice given by the RNLI".
What is the RNLI advice for winter swimming?
- Float
- Practice floating in a swimming pool. The RNLI says practising in a controlled environment will help you to know what to do in an emergency in open water.
- Sighting
- In the sea there are no lane lines to follow, so the RNLI advise you practice swimming in a straight line by lifting your head to spot a landmark in the distance to keep you on track.
- Technique
- 1) Take lessons to help with technique in the water. Put your head in the water to improve body position in the sea.
- 2) For front crawl, remember your leg kick - keep floppy ankles and long leg kicks from the hip.
- 3) Practise more than one stroke for ease when needed.
- 4) Acclimatise to the cold water by splashing your face, wrists, ankles and back of your neck.
- Join a club
- Before you try open water swimming, find an organised group that will keep you company as you swim. The RNLI also advise you ask members of the club to teach you about changing conditions including tides, rip currents, winds and local hazards.
- Don't swim alone.
- Before you try open water swimming, find an organised group that will keep you company as you swim. The RNLI also advise you ask members of the club to teach you about changing conditions including tides, rip currents, winds and local hazards.
If you are unsure on harbour byelaws and where to expect ship and boats, you can contact your local harbour office.