Remember These 6 Rules If Cooling Off In Open Water

With temperatures set to soar again, you might be looking for a place to cool off. But before you dive in, make sure you’re aware of the dangers of wild swimming.

The outdoor people at Blacks have put together their advice on staying safe in the water:



Do’s

Be aware of your own swimming abilities
Unlike a pool, open water is not labelled as a “shallow end”, making it difficult to know if kids are getting into water that is over their heads. Always check the depth of the water, even if you visit the same spot regularly. Depths can vary and new underwater obstructions may have been brought downstream or tipped in. With no awareness of how deep the water is, you really should not be diving into it.

Whilst waterfalls are stunning to look at, they won’t be kind to you if you jump into the landing area. The undercurrents directly below a large waterfall or weir could hold you under and you may not be able to surface.

Wear goggles where possible
Water in the sea can lead to limited visibility. If the water is clean, and it's safe to dip your head under, take extra precautions and wear goggles where possible, and only take a dip if there are signs around saying it is safe to do so. Do not ignore the ‘NO SWIMMING’ signs.

Keep your head above the water if unsure about the cleanliness
Snails, rats and algae can breed and release parasites into open water, which can lead to bacterial infections like Leptospirosis and ‘Swimmer’s itch’. Be careful not to swallow the water, keep your head above the water, and cover up any open wound with a waterproof plaster. If you get sick after swimming in a river or develop flu or jaundice-like symptoms three to fourteen days after, ask your doctor for a Leptospirosis test. It is simply treated with antibiotics but if left it can develop into the more serious Weil’s disease, which has been known to kill.

Take precautions if swimming alone
Wear a life jacket or trail a float behind you on a cord if you choose to front crawl and breaststroke solo for the day. If you get a leg cramp, shout for help, lie on your back and paddle back to shore with your arms before the pain becomes overwhelming.

Take note of the water temperature
Open water is usually colder than water in a pool, which can affect swimming ability. According to Avon Fire and Rescue Service, cold water removes heat from the body 32 times faster than cold air causing cold shock - gasping, cramps, inhalation of water, heart attack, stroke and rapid drowning. The shock felt from hitting cold water can result in shock, which can lead to panic, hyperventilating, and even drowning. Don't be fooled by the sweltering weather - dress for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature.

Dont’s

Kick or thrash if you encounter weeds or underwater obstructions
For swimming in rivers that are not signposted as safe to swim in, but also in other types of open water, you need to be aware of the spaghetti-like weeds lurking beneath your feet. They could snake around your ankles or up your leg and pull you under, causing swimmers to panic. If you do encounter some, slow your swim speed right down, don’t kick or thrash, and either float on through using your arms to paddle, or turn around slowly.

Do not run near or around a lake or river
One of the most common dangers of swimming in a lake and outdoor swimming are the slippery rocks which make it too easy to lose your footing. Never run because you do not want to risk hitting your head. Go barefoot to get a better grip or wear plimsolls with a rubber sole. A head injury while in or near water could be fatal if you pass out in the water.