Humberside Police has issued a warning to anyone looking to cool down in open water during soaring temperatures in the East Riding.
Officers from the Regional Underwater Search Unit are echoing messages that Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HRFS) have shared in preparation for the warm weekend.
Sarah Wilkinson, Head of Prevention for HFRS, said:
"Our water safety campaign is all about equipping people with the knowledge they need to enjoy the water safely. Tragically, in recent years, young lives have been lost at local waterways, despite the heroic efforts of our firefighters and emergency service teams. As the warmer weather draws us to the water, it's crucial to understand the risks, particularly cold-water shock, which can have deadly consequences."
With the period of warm weather set to continue and get hotter over the weekend, the Regional Underwater Search Unit expect to receive an increase in calls for service, relating to people who have got into difficulty whilst swimming in open water locations, sadly resulting in tragic consequences. In preparation of this, the unit are increasing their presence in beauty hotspots, that frequently attract members of the public to swim, during periods of warm weather.
“Swimming in open areas of water comes with a substantial amount of risk" PC Liam Whittington from the Underwater search team explains.
"Open water areas are not controlled environments, the water conditions can vary, open water can be fast moving and have invisible underwater currents. Some water ways are heavily polluted and can be harmful even simply coming into contact with the skin can cause damage, with more serious damage caused from ingesting this dirty water.
“Other hazards such as entrapments can be caused by logs, weed, or even submerged cars and scaffolding poles that can’t be seen from the water surface, these hazards can quickly trap or injure a swimmer and put them in danger extremely fast.
“A big factor in most of the incidents we attend relates to cold water shock’. This is a sudden shock to the body caused by immersion into cold water. It is very common during warm periods when people see the appeal of wanting to cool off in water and jump or dive into the water without first checking the conditions. Sometimes that water can be significantly colder than expected and the sudden rapid change in body temperatures causes the body to very quickly become fatigued to even the strongest of swimmers.
“Our message during the summer, as always is to be aware of these risks when visiting areas of open water and follow the HFRS guidance whenever possible.”
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