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Cold water shock warning as temperatures rise again

Rachael McMenemyand
Jack Maclean
Martin Giles/BBC A man dressed in a red waterproof jacket, red helmet and black trousers and black and orange boots floating on murky-looking water.Martin Giles/BBC
The water safety forum is promoting the RNLI's "Float to Live" campaign, which encourages people to float if they get into trouble in the water

A forum that brings together emergency services is urging the public to be aware of the dangers of open water, as temperatures are expected to rise once more this weekend.

Lucy Goldsmith, co-chair of the Norfolk Water Safety Forum, said waters in the UK did not rise much above 16C, which is enough to experience cold water shock.

The group includes Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, the Broads Authority, the RNLI and other partner organisations.

"That's mostly what we're seeing - some individuals going into the water and experiencing that [cold water] shock, and then not being able to get yourself out," said Goldsmith, who is also the fire service's prevention coordinator.

"Even if you're a strong, confident swimmer, these kind of hazards can put you at risk," she added.

There have been two deaths in rivers in Norfolk in 2026, both during May's heatwave, while there were nine accidental drowning deaths in the county last year, according to the fire service.

Martin Giles/BBC A head and shoulders shot of Lucy Goldsmith. She has long light brown hair pulled onto her left shoulder, over a navy shirt, which has a red T-shirt beneath and she is smiling. Behind her is a blurred-out expanse of water, trees, powerboats and sky.Martin Giles/BBC
The fire service said about 60% of accidental drownings across the UK take place inland

Goldsmith said this year there were more and more incidents of people getting into trouble at inland waters.

"Naturally, when the weather is a bit hotter, we do fancy getting out on the water and that's understandable, but it's worth noting that while the air temperature rises, the water temperature takes a little bit longer," she said.

'The water is a dangerous place'

LDRS Gavin Campbell is wearing a navy blue polo top while sat on a white bench. He has light stubble and short brown hair.LDRS
Gavin Campbell's sister described him as "an unforgettable character"

Gavin Campbell, 42, was one of two men who died during May's heatwave.

He drowned after jumping into the River Wensum in Norwich in the early hours of 31 May after a night out.

His mother, Jane Mallice, described him as a strong swimmer, who swam in the sea at Great Yarmouth most nights after moving to the seaside town last year.

She previously pleaded with people not to "underestimate the strength of the water", adding: "The water is a dangerous place."

Greg Howes, 44, died after getting into trouble in the water on the Norfolk Broads on 29 May.

Divers recovered his body the next day.

His family have also urged people to take care on the water.

Norfolk Police A smiling man wearing a shirt with a dark striped jumper on top. He is sitting indoors.Norfolk Police
Greg Howes "loved spending time on the Norfolk Broads", his family said

Bring safety equipment

Martin Giles/BBC A head and torso shot of Tobi Radcliffe. He has a short trimmed light brown beard and is wearing a red buoyancy aid over a turquoise polo shirt as well as a black cap. He is smiling and standing outside.Martin Giles/BBC
Tobi Radcliffe from the Broads Authority says visitors to the county's beaches or Broads should plan ahead and think about their safety

Tobi Radcliffe, waterways and recreation officer at the Broads Authority, said bringing the right kit, such as buoyancy aids on boats and paddle boards, was crucial.

A phone to call for help was also an essential aid.

"People think, 'I'm going kayaking, my phone might get wet', but that's your point of contact," he said.

"Just get a little dry bag for it or waterproof cases, and they're not that expensive at all considering it could be the bit that saves your life."

Marooned in seconds

Martin Giles/BBC A head and shoulders shot of Nick Ayers, who has mid-brown hair and is wearing a navy blue RNLI polo shirt and is starting to smile. He is sitting down with his arms around his knees and behind him is a blurred-out blue mat with the white outline of a human figure on its back with its arms and legs outstretched.Martin Giles/BBC
Nick Ayers urged visitors to the county's beaches to speak to locals such as lifeguards to understand coastal safety issues

Visitors are expected to flock to the beaches once the school summer holidays begin, says the RNLI in Norfolk, which guards nine beaches along the Norfolk coast.

The RNLI's Nick Ayers, who is also co-chair of the safety forum, has encouraged beachgoers to make themselves aware of local issues.

"The North Norfolk coastline is really prone to interlocking sandbars - the water literally maroons you on an island and for people unaware of the risk it can happen in seconds," he explained.

The RNLI said during just one weekend in June last year, the Wells lifeboat team rescued 40 people.

"If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, float on your back," Ayers added, promoting the RNLI's Float to Live manoeuvre, which has saved people from drowning.

"Don't enter the water after anybody, pick up the phone, call 999, ask for the emergency services."

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