Experts partner with national charity to issue open water swimming safety advice ahead of summer holidays 24/07/2024 The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has shared top recommendations for safer open water swimming, using advice and guidance from University of Portsmouth research. Ahead of the school summer holidays, people are being reminded of the risks of open water swimming to prevent serious injury or loss of life. Experts from the Extreme Environments Laboratory (EEL) at the University of Portsmouth have supported RLSS UK in providing advice and guidance for anyone wanting to take a dip outdoors. According to RLSS UK's National Drowning Report 2023, there is a relationship between warmer weather and an increase in fatal drowning incidents. 46 per cent of drownings occur in the summer months of which and this rises to 75 per cent are aged between amongst 13 to 17 years olds. In the past five years, nearly a quarter of all accidental drownings have occurred when swimming at open water sites, either inland or along the coast (WAID UK, 2022). Many of these lives could have been saved with some basic knowledge and understanding of open water safety. Recommendations include: Plan your swim Have the right equipment Know your limits How to stay safe and get help Recognise when you’re too cold Know how to help someone in the water and in difficulty Know when not to go! Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK, said: “As open water swimming becomes increasingly popular in all weathers, we’re pleased to be partnering with the University of Portsmouth and releasing new updated swimming water guidance to ensure people are aware of what they need to take into account before they get in, and when they are in the water. “From beginners to well versed swimmers, this newly released open water swimming guidance is invaluable for anyone looking to enjoy open water sites across the UK, providing them with the tools to stay safe while enjoying all the benefits that come with this activity.” The University’s Extreme Environments Laboratory (EEL) has paved the way for critical enhancements in international water safety. Their efforts have given rise to ‘Respect the Water’ and ‘Float to Live’ national water safety campaigns. Co-founder of the University’s EEL, Professor Mike Tipton MBE, said: “The Extreme Environments Laboratory at Portsmouth University works to generate and openly distribute life saving information to those who end up in cold water. It has been a pleasure to contribute to this important publication by RLSS UK that is released at the most dangerous time of year for drownings. I am sure the guidance will inform and educate, and thereby promote drowning prevention and save lives.” For more water safety advice around open water swimming For more information about the Extreme Environments Research Group Manage Cookie Preferences