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The Simple Mistakes That Could Kill You After Falling Into Cold Water

The Simple Mistakes That Could Kill You After Falling Into Cold Water

This advice could save your life.

Anonymous

Anonymous

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RNLI

RESPECT THE WATER
RESPECT THE WATER

As guys, it's basically woven into our DNA to believe that we're right about everything. Even if we're asked a question that deep down we're well aware we know bugger all about, chances are we'll still have a crack at answering it anyway. This sort of attitude in normal day-to-day life might earn you a few furrowed eyebrows at best, or a punch in the face down the pub at worst. But find yourself in real danger at the coast and it could be the kiss of death.

For example, what would you say if we told you that 58% of men aged 16-39 say they would follow a potentially deadly instinct as their first action if they unexpectedly fell into the water? Almost half (45%) of all young men surveyed by the RNLI, say they would attempt to swim first, and this could put their lives in danger. Just under one quarter (22%) of blokes actually said they would do one of the right things first.

Around half the people who die at the UK coast each year didn't even plan to go into the water - they slipped or fell in. So, what is the right thing to do if you find yourself unexpectedly in the water? Well, if do you find yourself suddenly immersed in cold water (and the water on the British coast IS cold, even in the warmer months) your instincts will kick in and you'll want to swim and panic.

1. Fight your instinct to panic or swim hard

2. Lean back in the water to keep your airway clear

3. Push your stomach up, extending your arms and legs

4. Gently move your hands and feet to help you float

5. In 60 - 90 seconds you'll be able to control your breathing

RNLI 2017 A2 body image
RNLI 2017 A2 body image

Just 1% of those surveyed by the RNLI knew this seemingly simple advice. So, why is it so important? Well, Mike Tipton, Professor of Human and Applied Physiology at the University of Portsmouth explains.

Professor Tipton said: "Our instinctive response to sudden immersion in cold water - gasping, thrashing and swimming hard - is potentially a killer."

"It increases chances of water entering your lungs, increases the strain on your heart, cools the skin further and lets air escape from any clothing, which then reduces buoyancy."

Our mate Liam is an RNLI lifeguard and he's also the chap demonstrating the floating technique in the video above.

"It was a bit of an eye-opener," he told LADbible in reference to how his body reacted to the shock of cold water. "I was surprised at how quickly I became tired from acting distressed, flailing and thrashing in the water.

"This was in a pool; in a real-life emergency in any open waters, panicking would wear you out even more, which is why it is so important to stay calm."

He added, "Remember, if you do find yourself in trouble, panicking will only exacerbate your situation. Fight your instinct to panic and swim hard. Instead, relax and float until you have overcome the effects of cold water shock and regained control of your breathing.

"Then you can decide your next move - whether that's swimming to safety or calling for help."

Above all else, enjoy yourself this summer, but remember to respect the water, and if worst comes to worst, fight your instincts and use the 'Float to Live' technique - it could potentially save your life.

For more information on what to do if you fall unexpectedly into cold water, visit www.respectthewater.com.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: rnli