Cambridgeshire fire service sends open water warning amid red heat alert
Temperatures could exceed 37C in some parts of England and Wales
With a red heat alert in place across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, firefighters here are urging us to stay safe from the dangers of open water.
The warning from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) comes after it released a short film telling the story of 16-year-old Jack Lloyd, who drowned after swimming with friends at Crown Lakes Country Park in Farcet in April last year.
At least 19 people in the country are known to have died after getting into difficulty in water this year.
"Even if it only saves one life, I think we can look at ourselves in the mirror and say we've done something positive," James Ball, head of prevention at CFRS, said.
"Thirty degrees may be the air temperature, but that water temperature's probably not much above 15 (degrees).
"The impact of thermal shock which is when you enter the water, your body goes into spasm, you start to hyperventilate, panic will quickly kick in and that's what causes drowning."
Temperatures could hit 40C
A red heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the East of England from today until 11pm on Thursday (June 25).
While an amber warning for extreme heat issued by the Met Office will stay in place across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough until 11.59pm tomorrow.
It's predicted that during this week’s heatwave, parts of England and Wales are likely to see temperatures exceed 37C in the shade and could even see them rise to 38C to 40C in some places.
"A lot of young people who go into the water can swim, but there are entrapments and it's that cold water shock, so the key takeaway is if you do get into trouble to remember that key message, which is float to live," Mr Ball said.
"Eventually your body will start to regulate its temperature, you'll slow your breathing down and the panic will stop."
Staying informed
CFRS' film tells the story of Jack, who struggled to stay afloat when his body went into cold water shock as soon as he hit the water.
The film, made in partnership with Peterborough City Council, also hears from Jack's dad Darren who speaks about the impact his son's death has had on him and his family.
"We know their perception of risk is not where it needs to be, we know they're going to enter the water and we want to try and make sure they're as informed as they can be to understand what some of those impacts are going to look like," Mr Ball added.