RNLI Offshore Summer 2023

SUPER SAILING

THE DRAMATIC CLIFFS AND CHARMING FISHING VILLAGES OF SKYE P8

P4 EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF COLD WATER DIPPING

P11 LIFEGUARDING ON ONE OF THE WORLD'S LONGEST BEACHES

HOW TO:

ACCLIMATISE TO COLD WATER

P16 AGAINST THE ELEMENTS: PRESS ON OR CALL FOR HELP? P14

Dear reader

You may notice a theme in this issue of Offshore; open water swimming (and cold water dipping, more broadly) continues to rise in popularity and more are answering the call of the sea as summer opens her arms. So you’ll find invaluable insights (p4) and practical advice (p14) to help you and those you love learn more about dipping safely this season and beyond. Opposite, you’ll also find information on a new partnership we hope will help keep watersports enthusiasts safer (and warmer!). Page 16 looks at another rising sport, paddleboarding – what would you do if you found yourself paddling against wind and tide?

Meanwhile for those feeling wanderlust, the Isle of Skye beckons on page 8, with local tips from volunteers at Portree RNLI. And we hear the story of SeaSafe Lifeguard Muhammad Salim's journey to help make one of the world’s longest beaches safer for all (p11). We hope you find this issue timely and interesting. Have a joyful summer.

With warm wishes

Email: offshore@rnli.org.uk

Summer 2023 | ISSUE 96

When you exit the water, dry and dress quickly in warm clothing with a windproof outer layer

©RNLI 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction is permitted with the prior consent of the RNLI. Opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Care is taken to ensure that editorial information is correct at the time of going to press but is subject to change.

Chair: Janet Legrand KC (Hon)

Chief Executive: Mark Dowie

Offshore Editor: Anna Burn

Offshore Design: Andy Perryman

CONTACT US

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Alternatively, please call 0300 300 9990 (from the UK), 01 511 9836 (from Ireland) or +44 1202 663234 (from any other country) weekdays 8am–6pm, or post c/o RNLI Support Centre, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney

LIFESAVING GIFTS AT SHOP.RNLI.ORG

AQUAPAC RNLI

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Keep your phone safe and dry whatever your adventure. Complete protection from water, sand, dirt and dust. Waterproof to 10m. 11 x 20cm.

Front cover photograph:

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Anna Burn and the Offshore Team

ON THE RADAR

RNLI PARTNER: dryrobe®

After spending time in the water, it’s important that you get dry and dress yourself quickly into warm clothing. As more people take part in open water swimming and watersports such as paddleboarding, changing robes have seen a huge increase in popularity. A good changing robe is ideal for those 30 minutes after you’ve left the water, when you need to be getting warm and waiting for the sea’s cooling effects to pass.

Chris has been part of the crew at Porthcawl since 2004 and was awarded a Bronze Medal for Gallantry in 2013.

Some of the most popular are made by our partner dryrobe®. The thermal lining of a dryrobe® Advance helps to warm you by containing your body heat, while the windproof outer coating helps protect you from the cold and sea spray. Special RNLI-branded dryrobe® products can be found at shop.RNLI.org.

RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead Nick Ayers says: ‘They’re great for the moment before you’re about to enter the water. They’re super warm and shield you from the elements, which will especially help with the gradual re-warming recommended after dipping or swimming in cold water.’

FUN FACTOR:

AVAILABILITY:

COST:

VISIT RNLI.org/swimming for more advice

PROFESSOR OF HUMAN AND APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF PORTSTMOUTH

Mike is a member of the RNLI Council and has spent 40 years studying the effects of extreme environments on the human body.

SWIM WILD AND FREE, SIMON GRIFFITHS

Whether taking your first tentative dip in your local wild swimming spot or taking on a long-distance swimming challenge, you'll find everything you need to embrace outdoor swimming in this book.

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As well as leading on safety in the north and east of England, Nick is a qualified beach lifeguard and volunteers at a surf lifesaving club.

HELLY HANSEN RNLI LIGHT

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In this issue of Offshore, quotes, practical advice and lifesaving tips are brought to you by:

‘A dryrobe® is absolutely perfect for all aquatic activities, especially on our shores’

CHRIS MISSEN

HELM, PORTHCAWL RNLI

PROFESSOR MIKE TIPTON

ELLIE MACPHERSON TRAINEE CREW MEMBER, PORTREE RNLI

A trainee crew member, Ellie joined Portree Lifeboat Station in December 2020.

NICK AYERS

RNLI REGIONAL WATER SAFETY LEAD

Photo: dryrobe®

IS COLD WATER DIPPING REALLY GOOD FOR YOU?

In recent years, cold water dipping has taken off as an activity. Perhaps due to the aftermath of the Covid lockdowns or the rise of influencers like Wim Hof, one thing that has become a major point of discussion is whether taking a cold water dip can have a health benefit.

Cold water dipping and the perceived benefit of bathing in low temperatures is by no means a new phenomenon. Hippocrates, often seen as the ‘father of medicine’, believed that cold water therapy could help alleviate mental and physical weariness. Sea swimming was recommended for the treatment of a range of diseases in the 1700s, with wintertime bathing seen to have the best results. When the swimsuit was invented in the late 18th century, it led to a surge in the popularity of cold water dipping, with entire seaside communities built around the pastime.

A NEW CRAZE

In the past few years, cold water dipping has seen an increase in participation. ‘The popularity of cold water dipping has surged,’ says Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead for the RNLI. The UK Coastguard reported a 52% increase in call outs to incidents involving cold water dipping and swimming between 2018 and 2021. ‘Fortunately, we haven’t seen a huge increase in rescues, but there have been a few incidents where it’s turned nasty.

‘There was a man in Whitby who went for a cold water dip over the Christmas period. He became caught in a rip current and was dragged over 100m from the beach. The lifeboat picked him up and he was literally in just a pair of swimming trunks.’

Why has it become so popular?

‘We’ve run a few cold water swimming events to get an idea of what’s happening,' says Nick. 'There are influencers online and on social media, and some charities have even begun fundraisers where they ask you to take a dip every day to raise money.

People have also set it as a New Year’s resolution, or want to take it up because they believe it to be a part of a healthy lifestyle.’

THE RISKS

Professor Mike Tipton, University of Portsmouth, studies the physiological and pathological responses of humans to extreme environments, and has conducted research on the effect cold water has on the body. He co-authored a review paper titled Cold Water Immersion: Kill or Cure?

Mike says: 'Human bodies can have an extreme reaction when immersed in cold water. You gasp, you hyperventilate uncontrollably and your heart has to work a lot harder. This is known as 'cold water shock' and it's the most dangerous of the responses evoked by accidental or deliberate immersion.

'Dippers know they’re going to be in the water and, if they acclimatise correctly, can prepare themselves for the cold water shock by entering the water slowly and under control.' (See p14.)

Cold water swimming is surging in popularity

It's important to acclimatise slowly

Cold water is invigorating, but can also lead to shock

' Human bodies can have an extreme reaction when immersed in cold water'

Professor Mike Tipton, University of Portsmouth

BEFORE YOU DIP

Before you take up cold water dipping, it’s highly recommended that you go to the doctor’s for a health check. It’s a similar check to the one the RNLI recommends scuba divers take, and will reveal if you have any underlying health conditions. It’s a good way to make sure that the cold water won’t put too much strain on your heart or other vital organs.

NICK AYERS RNLI REGIONAL WATER SAFETY LEAD

'

While the dangers of cold water immersion, such as cardiac arrest, hypothermia and drowning, have been extensively studied, the research into the benefits is not as broad, nor is it definitive.'

' You feel better afterwards; it's like going for a walk in the countryside'

Professor Mike Tipton, University of Portsmouth

Nick Ayers

RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead

Regular dippers swear by the power of cold water to revive and rejuvenate

Your doctor can help you with a health check

If conditions don't feel right, you can always dip another day

CASE STUDY: HOW I DIP

Louise Minchin

Family legend has it that I could swim before I could walk. I was born in Hong Kong and had access to water all the time, and absolutely loved it.

When I’m dipping, I’ve always got a plan. I know where I’m going, that I’m with someone, and how long I’m going to be doing it. I also know that, when I get out, I have the things I need to get warm.

I go in very slowly. Sometimes it makes it feel harder, but it’s easing my whole body in. I would never dive straight in. Even though I do it a lot, the water always takes my breath away.

What I’ve learned is my own body. I know when I start shivering, then that’s dangerous and I need to get out. I’m very conscious that I don’t get warm too quickly. There are occasions where it’s taken me a really long time to get warm, and that surprises me.

I know it’s going to hurt, I know it’s going to take my breath away. But when I come out, the buzz of my whole body, it’s like electricity for me. That’s why I do it.

CONSIDERING THE BENEFITS

So, if you can avoid the harmful effects of that initial reaction, can cold water immersion actually be beneficial? Mike urges caution with the claims: 'One of the most widely-touted benefits of immersion in cold water is a boost to the immune system. The idea is that cold water induces the body to release stress hormones, which helps ready the immune system, preparing it for any injury or infection. But studies conducted to look at this have not found any results that do reveal a real benefit to the immune system.

'One study compared cold water swimmers’ health with that of their non-swimming partners and heard anecdotal evidence of the swimmer getting fewer colds. But the results showed no difference between sea and pool swimmers, meaning it could have been the exercise rather than the water temperature that had an effect.

'This is a trend across many of the perceived benefits. While the dangers of cold water immersion, such as cardiac arrest, hypothermia and drowning, have been extensively studied, the research into the benefits is not as broad nor is it definitive. The evidence for 'kill' is much more developed than the evidence for 'cure'.'

USE DISCERNMENT

There is no study currently available to prove any physiological benefits of cold water dipping. Perhaps the true benefit comes from the exercise, sense of achievement and socialising that often comes with dipping. ‘It’s similar to going for a walk in the countryside,’ says Nick. ‘You feel better after, you’re often going with someone else so you’re talking to them. It’s no different to going for a dip with your friends and bobbing around in the water for a bit.’

The rise of influencers and challenges involving taking a ‘dip every day’ can put pressure on people to take a cold water dip, even when the conditions are not favourable. ‘A surfer won’t go surfing every day, because the surf isn’t amazing every day,' remarks Nick. 'It’s the same with windsurfers. You can’t physically do dipping every day because conditions change all the time. If needed, you can get the same sense of immersion from a hose in the back garden. You just have to remember, you can always dip another day.’ ■

Words: James Dwyer

Photos: Advocate Media Ltd, RNLI/(Harrison Bates, Nathan Williams), Shutterstock.com

TV presenter, Journalist and open water swimmer

ISLE OF SKYE

Discover stunning scenery, spectacular seafood and super sailing

'THE ISLE OF SKYE IS SPECIAL, OUR WATERLINE IS GEORGEOUS'

White-tailed sea eagle

We asked three RNLI lifesavers from the Isle of Skye to share their favourite things about where they live.

Cross the Skye Bridge – or take the Armadale to Mallaig ferry – and you’ll soon see the dramatic cliffs, majestic peaks, rocky ruins, and charming fishing villages that make Skye a tourist hotspot.

Trainee Crew Member Ellie Macpherson agrees that the Isle of Skye is something special. She says: ‘Our waterline is gorgeous. We have a rough-stoned shoreline right around the island and, on a nice day, you can see the mountains no matter where you are in the water.’

GET OUT ON THE WATER

‘If you come to visit Skye, I'd recommend getting out on the water,’ says Ellie.

‘If you're feeling sporty, there are some stunning areas to paddleboard, canoe or kayak. Paddleboarding has become really popular, particularly in the villages where we tend to have calmer waters. But if that's not your thing, there are some very well-run boat trips out of Waternish, Portree, Staffin and Elgol –and you’ll get a chance to see wildlife like white-tailed sea eagles, dolphins, basking sharks and seals.’

You can also take a guided tour of the island by kayak. South Skye Sea Kayak offers half days, full days, and private tours, suitable for all abilities and ages.

‘There’s great sailing too,’ says Crew Member James MacDonald. ‘It’s quite rugged and there’s plenty of wind.’

There are several anchorages and harbours, so you can explore Skye’s many attractions too.

‘And if the sea isn't for you, wild swimming has been big in Skye for a long time, with some lovely lochs further inland,’ says Ellie.

EXPLORE THE ISLAND

‘The north end of the island is the most scenic,’ says Deputy Mechanic Stuart Nicolson. This is where you’ll find The Fairy Glen, an ethereal landscape of cone-shaped grassy hills. There’s also Kilt Rock, an ancient cliff with a spectacular view of the Mealt Falls waterfall. And The Old Man of Storr, a striking 50m rock pinnacle, which

Aerial view of Portree, Isle of Skye

The dramatic Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are a must-see on the Isle of Skye

INSIDER INFO

I

DID YOU KNOW?

The stunning landscapes of the Isle of Skye have been the setting for several films. Next movie night, consider watching Highlander (1986), Stardust (2007), Prometheus (2012), Macbeth (2015) or The BFG (2016) for a taste of Skye!

is one of the most photographed landscapes in Scotland. ‘That’s on everyone's list to visit,’ says James.

There are more than 100 walk routes around Skye – ranging from short, easy strolls to the challenging 7-day Skye Trail, which is aimed at experienced trekkers.

If you’re planning to drive on the island, Ellie warns: ‘Be careful on our roads. They tend to be a lot narrower than on the mainland, and many are single track roads. Read the signs and look around you.’

ENJOY FINE DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT

And if you’re feeling peckish after a busy day of adventuring, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dinner. A safe bet is to head to Portree, the largest town in Skye. ‘There are some really nice restaurants on the harbour there,’ says Stuart. ‘Like Sea Breezes, which does great seafood.’

TELL US WHERE YOU LOVE

'There are so many places to eat out,’ adds James. ‘A lot of places specialise in local produce. We’ve got a 5-star restaurant, The Three Chimneys, which set the bar high many years ago.’

Portree also plays host to several famous events. ‘Skye is known nationwide, if not worldwide, for the events that happen in Portree,’ says Ellie. ‘Every year, the Skye Highland Games are held there, with visitors from all over the world coming to spectate and compete in the events, which include hammer throw, tossing the caber and Highland dancing. We also have a music festival: Skye Live.’

FIND OUT MORE

isleofskye.com, threechimneys.co.uk

southskyeseakayak.co.uk

skyelive.co.uk

skye-highland-games.co.uk ■

Words: Nikki McMullen

Photos: RNLI/(Iain Beaton, John Ellis, Andy Parish, Andy Perryman), Shutterstock.com

Let us know which area of coastline you’d like to see here in future issues by emailing offshore@rnli.org.uk.

'Skye is so unique; from its landscapes to its community spirit, and from modern to old traditions, it has a mix of everything.'

ELLIE MACPHERSON TRAINEE CREW MEMBER

'You’re able to slow down the pace of life to suit you. It can be laidback when you want it to be –it’s totally different to cities.'

JAMES MACDONALD CREW MEMBER

'It’s just so scenic. Tall cliffs, stunning views – on a lovely day, there’s no place like it.'

STUART NICOLSON CREW MEMBER AND DEPUTY MECHANIC

love where I live because ...

Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular activities

The Old Man of Storr, a stunning rocky outcrop

SALIM’S STORY:

FROM CHILD SURFER TO LEADING LIFEGUARD

Think of the biggest, busiest beaches you’ve visited around our coast. Whether you were in, on or beside the sea, lifesavers would have been ready to respond to those in danger. But on one of the world’s longest beaches –host to millions of tourists every year – it's been a different story.

Back in 2012, 9-year-old Muhammad Salim would gather with other children and young people at Cox’s Bazar beach, Bangladesh, each of them heading into the waves with roughly-made surfboards. Found at the northern end of a 75-mile stretch of sand looking west onto the Bay of Bengal, this seaside city with its own airport has long attracted tourists from across the country –most with some leisure time on their hands and cash in their pockets.

A DROWNING EPIDEMIC

Salim and his fellow surfers were from lowincome families, earning a few taka on the beach from selling shell bracelets, drinks ... anything that helped bring home money to their families. As well as providing some much-needed income, the beach was a source of joy – a place to meet friends and surf. But, while they learned the ways of the tides and currents, the surfers saw too many people lost to the busy, unsupervised waters – especially

Lifeguard Salim begins his daily patrol on Cox’s Bazar beach

during festivals and public holidays, when the sea would fill with people paddling in the waves, playing on inflatables and zipping around on hired jet skis.

‘At the beach I saw lots of people struggle in the water – drowning was common here,’ explains Salim.

Sea tragedies had become part of a wider drowning epidemic in Bangladesh, where 19,000 people were lost to inland and coastal waters every year at the last count. As well as tackling the inland drowning problem that was killing 40 children a day, the country’s own safety charity, CIPRB (Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh) was determined to make Cox’s Bazar beach a safer place too. That’s when CIPRB teamed up with the RNLI to start the country’s first lifeguard service: the SeaSafe project.

INSPIRED TO SAVE

Among the first to give their time to the project was local teen surfer Nasima – Salim’s older sister. Young Salim would watch on as visiting RNLI lifeguard assessor trainers worked with Nasima and other local volunteers to develop lifeguard patrol, rescue and first aid skills. ‘I was inspired by her – I decided that, when I was old enough, I would join and work as a lifesaver,’ recalls Salim, who helped gather up kit after training.

When he eagerly spoke to lifeguards after one session, they were amazed when he recited everything he’d watch them learn, word for word.

Within days of their first patrol, Nasima and the new lifeguard team saved their first life. Everyone involved could see how the project was quickly making the beach safer. Continued support from the RNLI and other organisations helped SeaSafe go from

' I was inspired … I decided that, when I was old enough, I would join and work as a lifesaver'

(Inset) Muhammad Salim aged 9 – a young surfer dreaming of becoming a lifeguard. (Left) Today Salim is a full-time lifeguard –one of 27 on Cox’s Bazar beach

After seeing his sister Nasima (pictured) training with the new lifeguard service, Salim vowed to become a lifesaver too

strength to strength; expanding their patrols from one key area to three, introducing full-time lifeguards and creating water safety education programmes for children inland.

STEPPING UP TO SERVE

Within a few years, Salim joined the weekly training sessions and quickly showed he was competent enough to volunteer. Today, 27 full-time lifeguards patrol three beaches all-year-round. And Salim is proud to count himself among them. ‘Becoming a lifeguard has changed my life,’ he says. ‘I am proud to be a lifesaver, and paid lifeguarding also means I can now support my family.’

More than 500 people have been saved by the lifeguard team in the past 8 years alone, and many more tragedies prevented thanks to the vigilance of the service – a service that is fully sustainable. In 2022, after a decade of SeaSafe, two RNLI lifeguard assessor trainers made a final visit to Cox’s Bazar to work with SeaSafe’s own master trainers. Now SeaSafe has its own team who will up-skill more trainers, who will in turn empower more young surfers to save lives – just as Salim has.

WHY IS THE RNLI INVOLVED?

The RNLI will be among the many organisations marking World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July. That’s because we’re determined to help tackle drowning globally as well as keeping our core focus of UK and Ireland lifesaving. We believe it’s our duty to share years of lifesaving knowledge and experience, so that we can make a difference worldwide. That has included working with other organisations and funders to tackle drowning in Bangladesh – organisations that include CIPRB, The Isle of Man Government, UK Aid Match, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and The Lifeboat Fund.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information, visit RNLI.org/international ■

Photos:

Words: Rory Stamp

Nahib Rahman, RNLI/Mike Lavis

RNLI Lifeguard Assessor Trainers Sam Ellison and Scott Candler (right) work with senior Cox’s Bazar lifeguards

HOW TO: ACCLIMATISE TO COLD WATER

No matter what time of year it is, the seas around the UK and Ireland can be dangerously cold. Whether you are going for a dip, swim or other watersport that involves entering the water, it’s important you know how to acclimatise your body to the low temperatures.

‘Like with any type of activity, we always encourage people to enjoy the water safely,’ says RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead Nick Ayers. ‘Cold water swimming and dipping has more risks than getting on a boat and sailing, because you’re immersed in cold water.

‘It’s all about being prepared. Check the weather forecast, tidal information, and wave height that’s relevant for the location. Make sure you tell someone what you are doing and when, so they can raise the alarm if you aren’t back by a certain time. You should also check your entrance and exit points into the water.

‘If there’s something not quite feeling right – maybe it’s the weather or the conditions, or you’re just not feeling great – remember there’s always another day to dip. Don’t push yourself. There are a lot of challenges out there where you’re asked to dip every day in a month. Conditions can change so quickly, so remember there’s always another way you can get that cold water immersion – be it a cold shower or in the garden with a hosepipe.’

TOP SAFETY TIPS

Cold water shock peaks within the first 30 seconds. Stay still and within your standing depth for 30 seconds before you start swimming or immersing your face, and always avoid holding your breath. Start off with shorter immersions within your depth and only extend your time if you are feeling well and have no muscle stiffness.

NICK AYERS, RNLI REGIONAL WATER SAFETY LEAD, SHARES HIS TIPS ON HOW TO SAFELY ACCLIMATISE TO COLD WATER

NEVER GO ALONE

Make sure you go with someone else, either in the water or keeping a close eye on you from the beach. Wear a brightly coloured swim cap – not white – and a tow float with a phone pouch. This will help you stay afloat in an emergency, and makes you easier to spot in the water.

ALWAYS BE SEEN

Always be seen

NEVER DIVE IN

Once you’ve assessed the situation and are ready to enter the water, you should never dive in, as this can lead to cold water shock. Walk in slowly and wait until your breathing is under control.

LOWER YOURSELF STEP BY STEP

Gradually lower your body into the sea. You can splash water on your hands, arms, back of the neck, any part of the body to help take away that cold water shock. Don’t splash water in your face as it can still have that shocking effect.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

If something doesn’t feel right or you start shivering uncontrollably, then you should make your way out of the water. Remember, you can always dip another day.

Find out more about the effects of cold water at RNLI.org/ColdWaterShock ■

Words: James Dwyer

Photos: Advocate Media Ltd, RNLI/(Harrison Bates, Nathan Williams), Shutterstock.com

Never go alone

WHAT WOULD YOU DO NEXT?

DO YOU SCENARIO

You’re paddleboarding with a friend, heading out with the wind and tide but paddling against it on the way back. You’re both becoming increasingly fatigued.

What do you do next?

EXPERT ANSWER

NICK AYERS

Because you’re exhausted, it’s best to stay where you are and wait for help to come – don’t try to paddle against the wind and tide to reach the shore (A) and don’t get off your board (C).

You’ve come prepared – you have your mobile in a waterproof pouch on your person, so you call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard (B). You tell the call handler how many people are in trouble and explain your location by describing landmarks.

While you wait for the lifeboat to arrive, you and your friend stick together and stay on your boards (B) – you’re both wearing your leash and buoyancy aid. Once the lifeboat appears, wave your arms – it’ll help the crew to spot you faster.

Next time you head out, consider downloading SafeTrx. It’s a free app which allows you to plan your trip and track your progress, alert your emergency contact, and gain quick access to the emergency services.

273 paddleboarders rescued in 2022

PORTHCAWL LAUNCH TO SIX PADDLEBOARDERS IN DIFFICULTY

Last August, during a sunny bank holiday, Porthcawl’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched to three pairs of paddleboarders off Ogmoreby-Sea. Several people had called the Coastguard after seeing the paddleboarders struggle against strong offshore winds and the tidal current from the incoming spring tide. B class lifeboat Helm Chris Missen says: ‘When we arrived on scene, we went to each of the three pairs of

paddleboarders in turn. They were glad to accept our assistance, as they had been battling against the offshore winds and tide. We took all six people and their paddleboards aboard the lifeboat and dropped them ashore at Ogmore Beach, where they were met by our RNLI lifeguard colleagues.’

Photos: Advocate Media Ltd, RNLI/Porthcawl

Visit RNLI.org/sup for some expert tips on staying safe. ■

REGIONAL WATER SAFETY LEAD

' They had been battling against

Helm Chris Missen