From our Community Newsletter - May 2026

From our Community Newsletter - May 2026

With the hot weather we’re having, please remember that the water can still be dangerously cold.

Most of us do this all year round, but with everything in the news it’s a good time for a little reminder for us all to stay safe. Rivers, lakes, quarries and the sea can remain cold, even on the hottest days.

When your body and skin are already hot, the shock of cold water can affect you much faster and more severely. Jumping straight into deep water can trigger a cold water shock response:

  • Gasping and loss of breathing control
  • Panic and disorientation
  • Rapid breathing and increased heart rate
  • Difficulty swimming or staying afloat

Always enter the water slowly and give your body time to acclimatise before swimming or doing anything that involves getting in quickly. Take a moment, cool down gradually, and stay safe around the water.

Enjoy the warmer months and longer days! Happy dipping and swimming!

 

Makala Jones, our Bluetit Head Swim Coach and Water Development Director, writes for our monthly community newsletter her Top Tips for swimming and dipping. You can sign up to our newsletter here.

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