Britons are being urged to stay safe after nine people died in open water incidents during a period of record-breaking heat across the UK. The Royal Life Saving Society has issued a plea for everyone to 'stop and think' before entering the water, noting that most of the victims were children.
Record Temperatures and Rising Risks
The UK recorded its hottest meteorological spring temperature as parts of London reached 34.8C on Monday. Tuesday was the hottest May day on record for both England and Wales, with Kew Gardens hitting 35.1C and Cardiff Bute Park reaching 32.9C. The society warned that warmer weather 'unfortunately correlates to an increase in accidental drownings,' emphasising that despite warm air, 'water temperatures remain very cold.'
Incidents Across the Country
Deaths occurred in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire, and Lancashire. Among the victims were 15-year-old Declan Sawyer, who died at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln on Sunday; a 72-year-old woman pulled from the water at West Angle Bay beach in Pembrokeshire; 13-year-old Reco Puttock, who died at Leadbeater Dam near Halifax; and a teenage girl whose body was recovered from Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire. A man in his 60s suffered a cardiac arrest after entering the sea at Tregirls Beach, Padstow, to help family members. A teenager's body was found at Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham, and another body was discovered in the search for a missing boy at Hawley Lake on the Hampshire-Surrey border. Twelve-year-old Junior Slater died in the River Ribble at Ribchester, Lancashire, and a 17-year-old boy's body was found at Pickmere Lake in Cheshire. In Ireland, a teenage girl died at Burrow Beach near Howth.
Safety Advice and NHS Guidance
The RNLI warned of the 'very real risk' of swimming in open water during the heatwave. NHS web pages saw a surge in visits, with 20,092 hits for heatstroke advice on bank holiday Monday, compared to 488 the previous Monday. Sunburn advice pages received 5,342 visits, and baby first aid and sun safety tips saw a 3,500% increase, with 4,728 hits. Officials urged caution for vulnerable groups, including older people and babies, and highlighted risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can lead to life-threatening heatstroke.
Water Supply Issues
In Kent, thousands were asked to use water for essential purposes only due to high demand. South West Water reported around 18,000 customers with supply issues and set up bottled water collection stations. Matthew Dean, head of operations control, advised customers to store water for drinking, washing, and cooking.
Weather Outlook
Temperatures are expected to cool slightly, but heat health alerts remain in place. The UK Health Security Agency extended amber alerts for the South West, South East, London, East and West Midlands, and the East of England until 5pm Thursday, with yellow alerts for the North West and North East. The Met Office issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for much of Wales, the South West, and parts of the Midlands from 3pm to 11.59pm Wednesday, with potential torrential rain, lightning, hail, and strong winds.
