Hot weather increases drowning risk five-fold

The risk of accidental drowning in the UK significantly increases during periods of hot weather, research has found.

The data has been highlighted by Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) as temperatures soar in parts of England.

Two pieces of research, one by RLSS UK and another by Bournemouth University, show a five-fold increased risk when temperatures reach or exceed 25C, compared with an average of 10C.

Teenagers and young adults are the most likely to lose their lives, according to the figures.

The Bournemouth University study, co-authored by Dr Sam Hills, has been published in the journal Preventative Medicine.

Dr Hills, a lecturer in sports science, said: "There seems to be a difference between the common reason for getting into trouble when it's warm and when it's cold.

"When the temperatures reach around 25C we see a massive increase in the proportion of people who get into trouble while swimming - so people who have deliberately entered the water - compared with on a typical day, a higher proportion get into trouble after accidentally falling into the water."

Ross MacLeod, the RNLI's public affairs manager, said: "The message during these periods of good weather is to encourage the young people in your lives to head to a supervised location.

"In Dorset, we've got some beautiful coastline and lots of lifeguarded beaches to choose from.

"If there is predicted good weather later in the season, September onwards, there is a conversation with the local authority about support and whether we can up the coverage."

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