Thinking of doing more sea swimming?
Here are some RNLI safety tips:

• Cold-water shock can occur within seconds of sudden immersion in cold water, causing a gasping reaction and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It is a major cause of drowning.
• Use a wetsuit that keeps you warm and comfortable, allowing your body to perform more efficiently.
• Read the safety signs. They will provide local specific hazard information.
• Join a local club. It’s more fun to swim with friends and safer too. For more details, see outdoorswimmingsociety.com.
• Swimming in the sea can be challenging so it’s best to practise in a pool first.
• If you get caught in a rip current, try to stay calm and don’t panic. If you can, swim parallel to the beach until free from the rip, then make for shore.
• Understand tides. Tide times can be found at tourist information centres, in local papers and online at easytide.com.
• Find out about your chosen beach before you visit. Check both the water quality and whether lifeguards are present by logging on to goodbeachguide.co.uk. Swim between the red and yellow flags on lifeguarded beaches.
• If you get into difficulty, stick your hand in the air and shout for help. If you see someone else in trouble, find a lifeguard or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.