RNLI urge those going for a Boxing Day dip in East Anglia to 'be sensible'
They say festive swims often lead to a spike in issues and call-outs
Last updated 19th Jun 2022
Coastguards and The Royal National Lifeboat Institution are urging those brave enough to go for a Boxing dip to plan ahead and be sensible.
Many usually take to the sea across our coastlines today to raise money for charity.
Nick Ayers, RNLI’s regional water safety lead in the East says our seas are typically no warmer 15 degrees this time of year
"Cold water shock is normally triggered by unexpected entry to the water, however its the similar sort of experience that people get risk of hypothermia, increase in pulse rate, increase in blood pressure, all this putting a lot of strain onto your heart that can cause lots of different factors when you're in cold water.
Enjoy the activities that you're doing safely and know what to do if something does go wrong. Unfortunately festive swims do create some issues and call-outs. So, we're just asking people to really consider if you are going down to a swim, make sure it's part of an organised dip and don't go alone, especially under the influence of alcohol".
He also told us that those going for it should get warmed up as soon as they come out of the water:
"Take plenty of warm clothes before and after your dip. When you're coming out of water you feel really warm and that can lead you into a false sense, so really think about what you're putting on after your swim. Warm up slowly as well by sipping on a warm drink".
He went on to say that if anything goes wrong people need to be calm and call for help:
"Float on your back and let your breathing regain itself. Then if you do get into trouble, call 999. That's something that we ask people to do if they spot somebody in trouble in the water, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard if you're there. Don't go in after that person in the water, try and throw them something that floats like a life ring".