What to do if you fall into freezing water

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Richard Stanton, area commander for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We know that the weather forecast for the next few days is expected to be bitterly cold, please, adults and children alike, stay away from open water, under no circumstances venture on to ice regardless how thick or safe you think this ice may be.” A candlelit vigil was held on Monday evening, where an aunt of one of the deceased described the tragedy as a “nightmare that two families can’t wake from.” As Commander Stanton suggests, the public is advised to stay away from bodies of open water in the current conditions, no matter how solid its frozen surface might appear. According to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, advising on cold water shock: “Anything below 15C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect your breathing and movement, so the risk is significant most of the year.” The RNLI goes on to explain: “Cold water shock causes the blood vessels in the skin to close, which increases the resistance of blood flow. “The sudden cooling of the skin by cold water also causes an involuntary gasp for breath. You could die if you don’t get medical care immediately.” A map showing Babbs Mill Lake in Solihul The RNLI states that it is crucial to remain calm should you accidentally fall into cold water and advises individuals to take a minute to compose themselves and keep still rather than immediately attempting to swim.