Warning to be safe during heat across Staffordshire and Cheshire

As the glorious weather across Staffordshire and Cheshire nears 30°C this Wednesday, skin cancer consultants at the Royal Stoke, the National Water Safety Forum and the RSPCA are among dozens that have issued an urgent warning to remain safe and take extra care.

"Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. That's when the suns rays are the hottest. It's not just on hot days, even on cloudy days you can still get sunburn." said Wayne Jaffe, consultant in skin cancer and plastic surgeon at Royal Stoke Hospital.

"Wear a sunscreen. Wear a wide rimmed hat. Wear sunglasses" said Wayne.

The National Water Safety Forum says that accidental drowning deaths almost always rise when hot weather hits the UK.

Their data indicates that when average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, there is a fivefold increase in accidental drowning risk when compared to days with an average of 10°C.

Across parts of Staffordshire and Cheshire temperatures are expected at 30°C at their highest, with places like Stoke, Leek, Nantwich and Congleton touching the 28°C mark.

Analysis also highlights the risk of taking a swim to cool off, as 57% of those who accidently drowned on days exceeding 25°C were swimming. In normal air temperatures, only 20% of accidental drownings are from swimming.

During peak temperatures, the findings also conclude that teenagers and young adults are proportionately more likely to lose their lives.

Released in May, annual figures in the Water Incident Database (WAID)3 showed accidental drownings in 2023 rose to 236 – ten more than 2022. Most occurred inland, with 63% in rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries, while and males are still the overwhelmingly majority of victims (83%).

Chair of the Forum, Dawn Whittaker said: "We haven't had that extended summer period to improve the temperature of the water. The water is still cold. I'd encourage families to talk to the youngsters about where they're going to be spending their summer."

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water remember Float to Live:

• Tilt your head back with ears submerged
• Relax and try to control your breathing
• Use your hands to help you stay afloat
• It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently

If you see someone else in difficulty in the water, remember Call, Tell, Throw:

• Call 999 to get help
• Tell the struggling person to float on their back
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring, inflatable toy, or bottle

For our pets, the heatwave can also be an especially troublesome time - in particular if they're exposed to it at certain parts of the day.

RSCPA worker Amy Ockelford said: "Please only take your dogs for walks when it's really really cool. Only early in the morning, or late in the evening."

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