[People stand up paddleboarding on the River Severn]
Chris Cousens (interview): “We would really encourage people to think carefully before they enter open water in the coming days during this hot weather, particularly in relation to the temperature of the water that is still cold enough to induce cold water shock. So when there’s a big difference between the air temperature and the water temperature, that’s when we see more people getting into difficulty, and we want people to remember how they can stay safe if they’re going into the water over the coming days.”
[People rowing and stand up paddleboarding on the River Severn]
Chris Cousens (interview): “Well, we would really encourage people to try and visit a supervised location, if they’re going to open water. So up the coast, you can visit a lifeguarded beach. Then you know that there are trained professionals there to help you to stay safe. And if you’re not able to go to a supervised location, then make sure you take checks about what the dangers might be in that location. Speak to people who know the area, look at signage, and make sure you understand the hazards that might be present.”
[People rowing on the River Severn]
Chris Cousens (interview): “So if you’re in difficulty in the water, we encourage people to float to live, and that means to resist the temptation to panic or to swim hard. But instead, to just relax, to float on your back, to put your ears back in the water, and to simply take a minute or two just to regain your calm. That will allow you to get past that cold water shock phase, then you can take the next step to safety, whether that’s raising your hand and calling for help or swimming to safety. If you do see somebody else in difficulty in the water, then our advice is to ‘phone, float, throw,’ and that means don’t go into the water yourself to try and rescue them. But instead, phone 999 or 112 and initiate the emergency response, to shout to the casualty to float. Sometimes that’s all that’s needed, and also to consider throwing something to them to help them float, so that could be some public rescue equipment like a life ring, or it could be something with buoyancy like an empty bottle or a football.”
[People rowing on the River Severn]
This script was provided by The Associated Press.