A message from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner... A summer safety message: cold water shock can be fatal

As temperatures soar across County Durham and Darlington, many families will do what generations before them have done – head to rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the coast to make the most of the good weather.

But beneath the surface lies a deadly danger that too many people still underestimate.

Cold water shock can kill in seconds.

Sadly, every summer we hear about heartbreaking tragedies. During periods of hot weather, lives are lost not because people cannot swim, but because the human body simply cannot cope with the sudden shock of entering cold water. 

My thoughts are with the families, friends and communities affected by such heartbreaking losses.

Even on the hottest days, rivers, lakes and reservoirs remain dangerously cold. The sudden immersion can trigger an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, panic and muscle paralysis, leaving even strong swimmers in difficulty.

Behind every drowning tragedy is a family whose lives has been changed forever.

One such family is that of Fiona Gosling, who heartbreakingly lost her 14-year-old son Cameron after he jumped into the River Wear near Bishop Auckland in 2015. Cameron was a confident swimmer, but confidence offered no protection against cold water shock. 

Rather than allowing grief to define her, Fiona has shown extraordinary courage by launching the ‘Dying to be Cool’ campaign. Working alongside County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham County Council and our emergency services, she has helped educate thousands of young people about the dangers of open water. Her determination to ensure no other parent experiences the pain she lives with is both humbling and inspirational.

Her message is simple, powerful and one we should all hear: education saves lives.

Our emergency services do an incredible job, but they cannot be everywhere. We cannot put barriers around every river or reservoir, but together we can build awareness. We can give people the knowledge to recognise the risks, make safer choices and look out for one another.

As the school holidays approach and this exceptional heat continues, that conversation has never been more important. Social media can make jumping into open water look exciting and harmless. The reality can be devastating.

Please remember these simple but lifesaving messages:

This summer, I am asking every parent, grandparent, teacher and friend to have one important conversation.

Talk about cold water shock.

Talk about the dangers.

Talk about making sure everyone comes home safely.

If that conversation persuades just one young person to stop and think before entering dangerous water, it could save a precious life and spare another family unimaginable heartbreak.

That is the community I want us to build together: one where we look after one another, where education helps prevent tragedy, where every one of us plays our part in creating safer, stronger and more resilient communities, and where we do all we can to ensure more people get home safely to their loved ones.