Call for Boxing Day swimmers 'to be educated' about dangers
Hundreds of people are expected to brave a Boxing Day swim across Merseyside
With hundreds across Merseyside expected to brave the cold for a Boxing Day swim, the RNLI is urging us to do so safely.
They're taking place in areas like the Salthouse Dock in Liverpool and the Marine Lake in West Kirkby - with many even taking the plunge in fancy dress to raise money for charity.
Kevin Latcham, crew member at Hoylake on Shannon all-weather lifeboat, said:
"It's (Boxing Day Swims) been going on for a number of years. There is an obsession with the health benefits of cold water dipping and it's great from a health and wellbeing point of view, but it has got to be organised and people have to be educated on what to do and what not to do.
"You've got to come prepared, you've got to have a means of communication, you've got to know what to do if you're in the water and there's no help, you've got to know how to float to live, how to call for help, and have all the kit.
"It's great going in in a pair of shorts but your body is not equipped to deal with it. You've got to have essential kit - wetsuits, life jackets etc. and make sure it's organised.
"Don't go doing it with one or two of you where there's no help, where you're isolated, just do your due diligence and make sure you're equipped to come out positively and enjoy the experience."
RNLI volunteers will be on call 24/7 throughout the festive period and ready to respond to any emergency.
RNLI safety tips for taking a winter swim or dip:
- Be prepared - check the weather forecast visiting metoffice.gov.uk, including tide information and wave height
- Take plenty of warm clothes for before and after your dip, along with a hot drink for when you come out of the water. Take a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Wearing a wetsuit will help increase your buoyancy and reduce the chances of suffering cold water shock
- Never swim alone – always go with a buddy, if possible, to a familiar spot and tell someone when you plan to be back
- Acclimatise slowly – never jump straight in as this can lead to cold water shock, walk in slowly and wait until your breathing is under control before swimming
- Be seen – wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float
- Stay in your depth - know your limits including how long to stay in the water and swim parallel to the shore
- Float to live - If you get into trouble lean back in the water, extending your arms and legs, and resisting the urge to thrash around to gain control of your breathing
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard - if you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble call for help immediately
- If in doubt, stay out – there is always another day to go for a swim