The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning as the summer holidays kickstart across the UK. Millions of children have been patiently awaiting for their six-week break away from the classroom, but it's important to stay safe over the summer, including older children gaining more independence.
It's looking to be a warmer than average summer according to the Met Office. Temperatures have exceeded 30C across the UK, including the north west, in recent months.
Amid the hot temperatures, the UKSHA has urged families to take simple steps to enjoy the summer break safely and protect their family’s health.
An alert from the government body said: "Further heat health alerts could be issued throughout the summer as temperatures rise. Particularly young children can be susceptible to the effects of heat, as well as older age groups.
"But anyone can be affected by particularly high temperatures and spending time outdoors, travelling and taking part in sports and other activities can increase the risk of becoming unwell if simple precautions are not taken."
The warning added: "UKHSA is also joining forces with leading water safety charities to support them in warning young adults of the dangers of cooling off in open water.
"The advice comes ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, which aims to raise awareness of measures that can help prevent drowning and save lives."
UKHSA’s advice to families
- keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
- try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest. If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening. Also check weather forecasts to see when it will be cooler
- know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
The UKSHA also shared advice for anyone planning on open-water swimming.
It said: "While swimming can be a great way to enjoy the summer, open water can present serious and often hidden dangers. Evidence from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) shows that many of these tragedies are preventable.
"A recent report found that in 87% of child drowning deaths, factors were identified that could have prevented the death, including lack of adult supervision, unsafe environments, accessible water and the absence of safety measures.
"Even on warm days, water temperatures can remain dangerously cold. Entering cold water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, causing an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and loss of control in the water."
To stay safe around water:
- supervise children closely at all times
- swim at lifeguarded locations whenever possible
- enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the temperature
- be aware that open water is usually much colder than it looks
- leave the water immediately if you begin to feel cold or unwell
- always swim with others and look out for each other
- swim parallel to the shore rather than away from it
- wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when taking part in activities such as boating, paddleboarding, kayaking or fishing
- carry a means of calling for help whenever possible. If heading out alone, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- if you get into difficulty in the water, Float to Live by tilting your head back, floating on your back and controlling your breathing until help arrives or you are able to swim to safety
