The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham has issued a stark warning to families about the dangers of swimming in open water during the summer heatwaves. The hospital took to Facebook to remind parents that while sunny weather makes swimming tempting, water can be much colder than it looks, affecting everyone's ability to swim.
Hospital's Safety Tips for Families
The hospital's post stressed: "Help keep young people stay safe around water - especially when it's hot." It emphasised that children should never swim without an adult and that everyone should only swim where and when it is safe. The advice comes as the West Midlands has already experienced two significant heatwaves, with temperatures reaching over 30°C, and forecasts predict more hot spells before summer ends.
The hospital shared several key tips: avoid taking risks in unsupervised water, always look for lifeguarded sites like pools or beaches, be extra cautious around cold water which can cause shock, swim parallel to the shore to stay close to safety, and always stay near friends or family for help.
Current Weather and Ongoing Risks
This weekend, temperatures in Birmingham are expected to remain in the mid-20s Celsius, a welcome break from recent highs. However, the hospital warns that water temperatures at open-water sites remain dangerously cold, even on hot days, and can impair swimming and self-rescue abilities. The reminder serves as a crucial safety message for families enjoying the summer weather.
