Frequently Asked Questions - Water Safety
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How can a strong swimmer drown?
The body will be exposed to cold water shock straight away which causes you to “gasp” and in some cases swallow water because of this. The blood vessels close increasing the resistance of blood flow and increasing heart rate which can lead to a heart attack.
Should you fall into open water float on your back and wait for this initial cold-water shock to pass. Cold water slows down muscle movements so even strong swimmers will be unable to move effectively.
Open water has many dangers including currents which are bodies of moving water that pull you in any direction whether this is downwards towards the bottom or round and round in a circle. Strong swimmers can become tired quickly and will be forced to move in the direction of these currents, even if this is downwards.
Open water contains debris such as rusty shopping trolleys and waste items as well as sharp rocks underneath or weeds which you may not see from the side. These can cause injury to swimmers by puncturing them or they can get tangled in them. Open water does not have steps in and out of creating difficult exit routes which are often high banks, muddy and difficult to climb out of.
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What is peer to peer teaching?
A peer is someone at your own level. Peer to peer teaching revolves around children teaching children or adults teaching adults therefore the content is delivered in a method suited to their learning. O.W.E.N provides people of all ages with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to become an ambassador in their community and inform their friends, family and others about how to stay safe around water.
The benefits of peer to peer are that children heading out on their own with friends can tell their friends where is safe and are more likely to be present and involved in where they are going. O.W.E.N uses social media platforms to assist ambassadors to share content, videos and pictures. It also allows us to reach a larger range of people within the community who we may not come across would we arrange more formal sessions and activities. The same can apply to adults too informing other adults too.
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Why is it dangerous to swim in open water?
The body will be exposed to cold water shock straight away which causes you to “gasp” and in some cases swallow water because of this. The blood vessels close increasing the resistance of blood flow and increasing heart rate which can lead to a heart attack. Should you fall into open water float on your back and wait for this initial cold-water shock to pass.
Cold water slows down muscle movements so even strong swimmers will be unable to move effectively. Open water has many dangers including currents which are bodies of moving water that pull you in any direction whether this is downwards towards the bottom or round and round in a circle.
Open water contains debris such as rusty shopping trolleys and waste items as well as sharp rocks underneath or weeds which you may not see from the side. These can cause injury to swimmers by puncturing them or they can get tangled in them. Open water does not have steps in and out of creating difficult exit routes which are often high banks, muddy and difficult to climb out of.
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What is a current?
A current is a moving body of water. Currents can move in any direction and change the course of their direction. An eddie is a current that flows in the opposite way to the flow of the river and is often a swirly pattern as water fills the void left as the water body pushes forward creating a movement in the opposite direction. -
What is cold water shock?
Water in the UK rarely rises above 15 degrees even in summer. Cold water shock effects each individual differently, however, usually takes effect in 15 degrees and less. Cold water shock causes you to “gasp” and in some cases swallow water because of this.
The blood vessels close increasing the resistance of blood flow and increasing heart rate which can lead to a heart attack. Should you fall into open water float on your back and wait for this initial cold-water shock to pass. Cold water slows down muscle movements so even strong swimmers will be unable to move effectively.
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Where can I swim safely?
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Where can I learn lifesaving skills?
Most swimming schools offer personal survival in the through the ASA Swim England Scheme where children swim in pyjamas. Bramcote leisure centre and Kimberley leisure centre in Broxtowe offer personal survival at stage 6 however during drowning prevention week, all ages and classes participate in swimming in pyjamas and practice survival skills in cooperation with the RLSS.
Bramcote and Kimberley Leisure Centres also offer Rookie lifeguard sessions where lifesaving skills, CPR and first aid skills are taught on a weekly basis.
Please visit www.lleisure.co.uk for further information.
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How do I get involved with the O.W.E.N programme?
Please visit our documents area which will direct you to an application form.
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How do I get my school involved with the O.W.E.N programme?
Please visit our documents area which will direct you to an application form.
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Who do you call in an emergency?
Call 999 and ask for Fire & Rescue.
Did you know even though you have specified this service around 5 people are all listening to your call and will delegate other services as to what they think you might need. When you call 999 ensure you know your location – we recommend downloading the what3 words app which can inform you if unsure. Keep eyes on the person in trouble so when the emergency services arrive you can point them in the correct direction and NEVER go into the water yourself.
The emergency services might direct you to a throw bag station and provide you with a code to unlock a box. You can then throw the throw line into the person in the water, be sure to hold onto one end but do not tie this to yourself in case it becomes tangled, so you do not end up being dragged into the water yourself.
If in doubt if someone needs help, it is always better to call and inform 999 – they would rather you call, and it be a false alarm then have to perform a search and rescue operation for someone.
