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Dangers of Open Water Rise with Heat

1 Jul

Summary

Open water temperatures can cause cold water shock even in summer.
Two river deaths occurred in Norfolk in May 2026.
Nine accidental drownings happened in Norfolk last year.

With temperatures expected to climb, the Norfolk Water Safety Forum is urging the public to exercise caution around open water. The forum, comprising Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, the Broads Authority, and the RNLI, highlights the risk of cold water shock.

Even summer water temperatures in the UK rarely exceed 16C, which is sufficient to trigger cold water shock. This can lead to incapacitation, making it difficult to exit the water. Tragically, this hazard has resulted in fatalities, with two deaths in Norfolk rivers in May 2026 and nine accidental drownings in the county last year.

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