People in Oxfordshire warned of cold water shock risk even in warm weather
Fire service urges people not to jump into rivers and lakes
Residents across Oxfordshire are being urged to be aware of the dangers of cold water shock when entering rivers, lakes and reservoirs, as fire crews issue a safety warning during Drowning Prevention Week.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the national campaign, which is running this week to raise awareness of water safety and reduce accidental drownings in open water.
Officials say the message is particularly important during periods of warm weather, when more people are likely to head to the county’s waterways to cool off, often underestimating how cold the water can still be.
Deb Forder, Community Safety Manager for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, says cold water shock can have immediate and serious effects on the body.
“Cold water shock is an involuntary response, you can't stop yourself reacting the way that you do. Your breathing will change, you'll gasp for breath and your breathing will then, you'll start to hyperventilate and if you're then submerged in water, it's a very, very dangerous position that you're in, she said.
Ms Forder also warned that many people do not fully understand the risks of entering open water, particularly during hot weather when rivers and lakes appear more inviting.
“You don't know the depth of the water, you don't know what's submerged. It could be something that could cause an injury or something that could impale. So just be very mindful about what you're doing around open water,” she said.
She explained the steps people should take if they unexpectedly fall into water.
“If you do fall in, lie back, relax and try to find your float position. Once that cold water shock reflex will subside a little bit, you'll be able to breathe better and you'll be able to wait for help or attempt to swim to the shore.”
The fire service is also reminding people of the importance of not entering the water in an attempt to rescue someone else, as this can quickly put more lives at risk.
Instead, witnesses are urged to call 999 immediately and seek help.
As part of the campaign, residents are being encouraged to take simple precautions before going near open water, including not going alone and ensuring friends and family know where they are.
Ms Forder said emergency services regularly deal with tragic consequences when risks are not fully understood.
“It's devastating. We, as a fire and rescue service, we get called to all sorts of incidents and when there's something that happens that has such a massive impact on families, on friends, on communities, but also on those emergency service responders that attend,” she said.
She added that crews want people to enjoy the water safely, but to always respect the risks.
“We turn up, we want to do our best, we want to do everything within our power to save people and make them safe. And when that hasn't happened, it's devastating for everybody involved.”
Drowning Prevention Week is running across Oxfordshire this week, with safety messages being shared to encourage people to think carefully before entering open water.
People across Oxfordshire are being urged to be aware of the dangers of cold water shock when entering rivers, lakes and reservoirs, as fire crews issue a safety warning during Drowning Prevention Week.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the national campaign, which is running this week to raise awareness of water safety and reduce accidental drownings in open water.
Officials say the message is particularly important during periods where warm weather is expected, as more people are likely to head to the county’s waterways to cool off and often underestimating how cold the water can still be.