Festive dippers on Yorkshire Coast urged to not get cold water shock
The RNLI is giving out advice
Festive dippers on the Yorkshire Coast are being asked to prevent themselves from cold water shock.
There is going to be Boxing Day and New Year's Day events in Whitby and Scarborough.
The RNLI is issuing advice as the sea temperature in the winter is lower than normal.
Nick Ayers, regional water safety lead here, said: "Definitely, definitely go to organised festive dips as they'd have to right safety precautions in place and the water safety cover. Our recommendation and also the Coastguard's recommendation is to check with your doctor before trying cold water swimming or dipping for the first time, especially if you have those underlying health conditions.
"Always be prepared. I know it's a common thing to run into the water and only go in a swimsuit and not a wetsuit. Make sure you've got the right warm clothing after your dip, you have a warm drink and to never go alone. If you can't make yourself to one of those organised events, make sure you're going with some buddies to a familiar spot.
"Cold water shock occurs when you unexpectedly enter the water, enter from a height, you're pushed or slipped into the water and that's your body's natural reaction to cold water, so it's that sudden gasp. If you're falling from a height and you're suddenly gasping at the same time, there's a risk of inhaling water.
"Acclimatize slowly. Enter the water at a nice slow pace, never jump straight in, never dive into cold water and let your breathing adjust, making sure it's more controlled. You can do that by just splashing your face, splashing the back of your neck, getting it under your arms and letting some water into your wetsuit if you're wearing one.
"Nationally around the UK the average temperature is only around 15 degrees Celcius, even in the summer and around the winter months, we can see the sea dropping to around five even lower degrees Celcius. Water temperature and air temperature is completely different and obviously you have the wind chill as well."