Warnings about hidden danger of cold water shock in Worcestershire
We're diving deeper into the dangers of open water
Last updated 2nd Jul 2021
We're diving deeper into the dangers of open water as we reveal one child a week dies from drowning in the UK.
Safety experts say so-called 'cold water shock' can kick in within minutes when the water's 15 degrees celcius or lower.
That's pretty much the temperature of ALL rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in Britain during the summer.
Helen Bowker-Steer, Commercial Manager at the Royal Life Saving Society, said: "Cold water shock is a huge danger in open water.
"People forget about it because they put their foot in and it feels warm but as you go further into the water it gets colder.
"But as you deeper into the water the rest of your body will cool down which is when you experience the shock."
Vicki Jones' 18-year-old son Thomas drowned in the River Severn in 2018.
The Worcester University student was on his way home from a night out during freshers week.
Vicki Jones said: "In a flash, which could have been so preventable, our future has taken on a completely different path.
"It's so important people understand the dangers of water and are clued up about water safety.
"If someone does get into trouble they know how to keep themselves safe. they know about cold water shock, and they know about these deceptive undercurrents which lead to tragic results."
Helen Bowker-Steer added: "We have a huge issue with cold-shock. People will hit the water and cold-shock will be the first reaction.
"We've also got other hidden dangers like things underneath the water. So weeds and reeds which you can get trapped in.
"You can get trapped in those and once the panic sets in that can get worse."
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