 has alerted people that while temperatures rise, the water can still remain dangerously cold. Sea swimmer Tom Kay, who is also a volunteer RNLI helm at St Agnes RNLI Lifeboat Station, has echoed this warning. He said: 'Wild swimming is one of the most exhilarating and beautiful things you can do. But like all things out in the natural world and particularly the water, you must take your safety seriously. 'Things on my checklist would be weather conditions, both forecasts and how it looks at the edge of the water. In my experience, it is always rougher and colder than it looks from the shore, so if it looks rough, it is very rough.' The founder of Finisterre highlights the importance of tides and tidal flows in the sea, and the current in the river. Tom said: 'Sounds obvious, but there won't be any poolside to hold on to when you're out there, and psychologically it can feel very different in deep, dark water.' Want to get the latest health news direct to your inbox? Sign up for the Mirror Health newsletter HERE If you're concerned, the sea expert recommends swimming parallel to the shore and in your depth. 'If you need a rest, you can just float on your back, the RNLI, our charity partner, actually recommend this,' he said. 'Going with a buddy is also a good idea and fun as well. And, of course, the right equipment and gear for the job, both when swimming and when you get out of the){kind=link}
With temperatures expected to soar to 29C this week, volunteer RNLI Tom Kay has urged Brits to consider essential safety precautions before heading into the water
Many beachgoers will take to the water to cool down this summer, but an RNLI helm has warned Brits about the dangers of sea swimming.
Last year, around 46 percent of UK accidental drownings took place in the three summer months of June, July and August, informs the Royal Life Saving Society. In 2022, the total number of water-related fatalities reached a devastating 597 people. This summer the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) has alerted people that while temperatures rise, the water can still remain dangerously cold.
Sea swimmer Tom Kay, who is also a volunteer RNLI helm at St Agnes RNLI Lifeboat Station, has echoed this warning. He said: “Wild swimming is one of the most exhilarating and beautiful things you can do. But like all things out in the natural world and particularly the water, you must take your safety seriously.
“Things on my checklist would be weather conditions, both forecasts and how it looks at the edge of the water. In my experience, it is always rougher and colder than it looks from the shore, so if it looks rough, it is very rough.”