With the weather warming up, people are being urged to stay safe when cooling off in open water.
As temperatures rise, more people are expected to head to the beaches, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and other open water areas to cool off.
Dyfed-Powys Police has compiled a guide to help ensure safety around these popular spots.
For beaches, using a lifeguarded beach provides extra protection.
Beachgoers should also familiarise themselves with the flags indicating safe swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding areas.
Importantly, red flags signal dangerous water and should be avoided.
Understanding the specific risks of the coast, such as high tides, cold waters, and strong currents, is crucial.
Additionally, entering the water after consuming alcohol is discouraged due to the increased risk of difficulty.
The 'float to live' technique is vital for anyone struggling in the water, promoting calmness and controlled breathing.
Open water safety tips include not swimming alone and being aware of cold water shock, which can severely impact breathing and movement.
This shock can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing heart workload and potentially leading to panic and water inhalation.
Swimmers should listen to their bodies, limiting exposure if they experience symptoms such as shivering, numbness, or confusion.
Knowing personal limits and avoiding water if unsure is advised.
Waterfall visitors are advised to stay on designated trails and behind barriers due to increased danger when leaving marked paths.
Slippery surfaces, unstable ground, and eroding cliffs around waterfalls pose additional risks.
Visitors should be alert to unexpected strong currents near the edge of a waterfall and be aware of the weather forecast for the whole area to avoid sudden flooding.
Visiting waterfalls alone is not recommended.
For rivers and canals, safe and easy-to-exit access points should be used.
Jumping or diving into these waters is discouraged due to varying depths and potential unseen hazards such as reeds, plant life, or litter that can trap feet.
Swimmers should be aware of boat traffic and the potential difficulty larger boats might have in spotting them.
The untreated water in canals and rivers can contain diseases, pollution, and other contaminants.
Areas near weirs, locks, pipes, and sluices should be avoided due to often strong currents that could sweep swimmers away.
These guidelines aim to ensure everyone can enjoy the water safely as the weather gets warmer.
Understanding and respecting the potential dangers is key to a safe and enjoyable experience in and around open water.
