AS the warm weather continues, officers in Wirral have warned people about the dangers of swimming in open water.

Wirral Police took to social media to tell people to "please be aware" of the risks, as there have been a number of fatalities across the UK in recent weeks in open bodies of water.

Around 140 people lose their lives at the UK and Irish coasts each year, with over half never even planning to enter the water.

Advice issued by the RNLI, shows that there are two simple skills to know that could save a life:

  • If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to increase your chances of survival.
  • If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Float to Live

  • Fight your instinct to thrash around.
  • Lean back, extend your arms and legs.
  • If you need to, gently move them around to help you float.
  • Float until you can control your breathing.
  • Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives.

Cold water

Cold water shock is triggered in water temperatures lower than 15⁰C. The average temperature of UK and Irish waters is 12⁰C. So even in the summer, the water temperature is cold enough to cause cold water shock, which can steal the air from your lungs and leave you helpless in seconds.

Rip currents and waves

Rip currents can travel up to the same speed as an Olympic swimmer (4.5mph) and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. And unexpected waves can quickly knock you off your feet.

Floating can increase your chances of survival from cold water shock and rip currents. Find out more about Float to Live and how it can save your life.