Yorkshire Coast sea swimmers urged to stay safe in the water
The RNLI have released a video with tips for winter dips
People on the Yorkshire Coast planning on swimming in the sea this winter are being urged to stay safe.
The RNLI has released a new video, with safety advice for anyone considering taking up open water swimming.
They say there's been a big increase in people trying it over the last few months, as indoor pools have been closed for much of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The video (which you can watch below) is presented by two members of the RNLI’s Regional Water Safety team for the North and East, Nick Ayers and Liam Fayle-Parr, who are both experienced open water swimmers.
It’s aimed primarily at people who are new to the sport or who want to bob around in the sea for a while, rather than more experienced open water swimmers - although the advice applies to anyone entering cold water this winter.
Nick said:
"There are well-documented physical and mental health benefits of swimming in the sea, but it can also be very dangerous if you are unaware or under-prepared. The purpose of this video is to help you enjoy it safely.
"Our volunteer lifeboat crews have dealt with a relatively high number of incidents since the end of the summer involving swimmers and dippers, so we are asking everyone to be aware of what they can do to keep themselves and others safe, and to Respect the Water.
"We would also always recommend checking with your doctor before trying it for the first time, especially if you have underlying health issues. Please do help us by sharing this safety advice and video with your friends, family and any swimming social media groups."
The RNLI’s key safety advice for taking a winter dip is:
• Never swim alone – always go with someone else to a familiar spot
• Always check the weather forecast, including tide information and wave height
• If in doubt, stay out – there is always another day to go for a swim
• Take plenty of warm clothes for before and after your dip, along with a hot drink to help you warm up again when you come out of the water
• Wearing a wetsuit will help increase your buoyancy and reduce the chances of suffering cold water shock
• Be seen – wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float
• Acclimatise to the water temperature slowly – never jump straight in
• Stay in your depth and know your limits
• If you get into trouble remember FLOAT to live: lean back in the water, extend your arms and legs, resist the urge to thrash around and gain control of your breathing
• Take a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch
• If you or someone else is in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard