thinking of doing more sea or river 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 the major cause of drowning
• use a wetsuit that keeps you warm and comfortable, allowing your body to perfrom more efficiently
• read the safety signs - they will providelocal specific hazard information
• join a local club or go with other Sea Rangers. It's more run to swim with friends and safer too - see outdoorswimmingsociety.com
• swimming in the sea can be challenging - practise in a pool!
• if you get caught in a rip current, try to stay clm and don't panic. If you can swim parallel to the beach until free from the rip, then make for the shore
• understand tides. Tide times can be found at tourist information centres, in local papers and online at easytide.com
• find out about the local beach before you visit. Check both the water quality  and whether lifeguards are present by logging onto 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 diall 999 and ask for the coastguard