110 By the Dart • RNLI


sudden immersion in cold water is the most shocking thing that can happen to your body. It triggers the instinctive but life-threatening reaction to gasp uncontrollably and swim hard, which can quickly lead to drowning. The immediate threat is from the loss of breathing con- trol. The person gasps, even though they are underwater and has difficulty holding their breath. Once on the surface they breathe rapidly and uncontrollably. The body then automatically increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Finally there is the loss of mental control. The casualty, for that is what they are now, becomes dis- orientated, can’t think clearly and panics. They become unable to carry out a plan of action to save themselves. Cold water survival expert Professor Mike Tipton explains: ‘We often rely on our instincts but our instinctive


response to sudden immersion in cold water – gasping, thrashing and swimming hard – is potentially a killer. It increases the chances of water entering your lungs, increases the strain on your heart, cools the skin further and helps air escape from any clothing, which then reduces buoyancy.’ ‘Although it’s counter-intuitive, the best immediate


course of action in that situation is to fight your instinct and try to float or rest, just for a short time. The effects of cold water shock will pass quite quickly, within 60–90 seconds. Floating for this short time will let you regain control of your breathing and your survival chances will greatly increase. ‘Floating is not an easy skill in cold open water but most people can float and the air trapped in their clothes as they fall in should make it easier. As little exer- cise as necessary can be undertaken to help stay afloat. The recommended floating position is to lean back in the water, preferably with your back to any waves, and keep your airway clear. Keeping calm will help maintain buoyancy. Some people find it helpful to gently scull with their hands and kick their feet to keep afloat. The main principle is to do as little as possible until you have control of your breathing. At this point you have a much better chance of avoiding drowning and surviving until you can swim to safety, call for help, or continuing to float until help arrives.’ If boating always wear a lifejacket, even for the simplest tasks. For those who are planning to go into the water, the best way to stay safe is to choose a life- guarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, which is the area most closely monitored by the lifeguards. If you see someone else in danger in the water, fight your instinct to go in and try to rescue them yourself – instead call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The campaign is targeted at adult men, who account


for over three-quarters (76%) of the coastal deaths in the south west over the past five years, although the advice is relevant to anyone who goes near the water. The Respect the Water campaign will run throughout


the summer on channels including cinema, outdoor, radio, online and on catch-up TV channels. The RNLI is asking people to visit RNLI.org/RespectTheWater where they will find information on the effects of cold water shock and floating techniques. On social media, search #RespectTheWater.


UPCOMING EVENTS The BRITANNIA RN VOLUNTEER BAND will be giving a concert at st saviours Church on saturday 15 July at 7.30pm. Tickets at £10 are available from the RNLI Visitor Centre (01803 832423).


The RNLI DART FETE takes place on 27th july (10am - 4pm) in Dartmouth’s Royal Avenue Gardens. Musical entertainment and the very successful stalls as usual. Donated bottles for the bottle stall can be left at the RNLI Visitor Centre on the South Embankment. If you can help at this event or on the Flag Day (4th August) please contact Tracey Lucas at the Visitor Centre 01803 832423 or leave a message on the Contact us page on the RNLI Dart web site www. dartlifeboat.org.uk.


News, details of launches, photographs and videos can be found on the Dart station website. www.dartlifeboat.org.uk or the station Facebook page www.facebook.com/dartrnlilifeboat


John Fenton, RNLI Dart Lifeboat Press Officer.


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