People are drowning in our disused quarries and lakes

People are drowning in our disused quarries and lakes and this is why!

Our people are drowning because they are going to places like disused quarries, lakes, and open water areas to try and cool themselves down.

Temperatures are higher than normal for this time of year, and people are looking for ways to cool down.

Most of us keep out of the heat during the hottest part of the day.

We have all seen in the media recently a spate of drownings.

It really saddens me that people are losing their lives by swimming in disused quarries, lakes, or rivers, out of a desire to cool off.

They probably think it won’t happen to them, and sadly, it can happen to anyone, even the most experienced swimmer, because ‘Cold Water Shock’ can kill, and so often does.

So what is cold water shock?

Cold water shock occurs when there is a significant difference between air temperatures and water temperatures. For example, on a hot day, entering a refreshing pool can trigger a strong physiological response.

When someone plunges into cold water, they may gasp uncontrollably, triggering panic. This reaction activates the “fight or flight” response, causing confusion and putting extra strain on the heart. As a result, the skin temperature drops, and peripheral circulation begins to shut down.

In this chaotic situation, swimmers may thrash about in the water, which can force trapped air out of their clothing, making it much harder to float. Because of the panic, people can drown in cold water.

While it’s a natural reaction to panic, knowing how to respond in the water can help individuals regain control and make a difficult situation more manageable.

So what should you try and do!

I spent a significant portion of my life in the military, and I found myself in freezing cold water quite often.

From the very beginning, it was emphasised to us that if you panic, your chances of survival decrease drastically, and there’s a strong possibility that you could drown.

We were taught to allow about 90 seconds for your body to settle down and for you to catch your breath.

By this time, the shock of the cold water begins to pass, your breathing calms down a bit, and your chances of survival increase slightly.

Once you feel somewhat composed, you should float on your back with your arms and legs stretched out.

Even with clothes on, you will remain buoyant because of the air trapped in the fabric.

At this stage, if possible, you can swim toward safety or wait for emergency services to reach you and bring you to safety.

Conclusion

If you ever find yourself in freezing cold water, it’s important to stay calm and remember a few survival tips. The golden rule is not to panic. Allow your body to adjust after the initial shock of the cold water.

Here are key points for survival:

1. **Control Your Breathing:** It takes about 90 seconds for your body to settle down after the shock.

2. **Stay Still:** Avoid thrashing around in the water. Splashing can cause air to escape from your clothing, reducing your buoyancy and making it harder to stay afloat.

3. **Position Yourself Properly:** Lie on your back and spread your arms and legs. This position will help keep you buoyant.

4. **Float Until You’re Ready:** Focus on getting your breathing under control before taking further action.

5. **Swim to Safety:** When it’s safe to do so, swim to safety or wait for emergency services to rescue you.

Remember, staying calm and controlled is key to your survival in such situations.

For guidance only

Warwickshire First Aid Training offers the following information for guidance only and emphasises that it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

We cannot be held responsible or liable for any diagnoses made or actions taken based on this information.

We strongly advise attending an Emergency First Aid at Work or a First Aid at Work course to gain the necessary skills and understanding to respond effectively in a medical emergency.

Our first aid courses are regulated by Ofqual and accredited by QNUK.