THE RNLI has warned of the “very real” risks of hypothermia posed by low sea temperatures after an Islander passed out following a cold-water swim and later needed hospital treatment.
Gary McGurty, who collapsed on the beach at Beauport Bay, is also urging others to be aware of the symptoms and dangers of hypothermia when deciding to go for a dip in the sea this winter.
The 55-year-old said that he regularly visited the beach, having started cold-water swimming during the pandemic to help with back issues.
However, earlier this month Mr McGurty swam in the sea while still recovering from a “really bad” cold – a decision he now regrets.
He explained: “I thought the swim would help me to get over the last of it but it backfired on me.”
Mr McGurty swam for around ten minutes but, after emerging from the 12-degree water, he passed out.
“I didn’t know about hypothermia, or the symptoms.
“I just went all dizzy, I felt sick, it was the strangest thing.”
Despite losing his balance and throwing up repeatedly, Mr McGurty managed to phone his wife Lee, who took him home.
Once he got home, the Islander collapsed again and his wife called an ambulance to take him to the Hospital.
He admitted: “I really thought it was curtains on that beach.
“If you’re not 100%, you shouldn’t get in there.
“Be mindful about how you feel and don’t take it for granted that it’s going to be the same as your last swim.”
Helier de Veulle, RNLI Jersey press officer, said: “Whilst there are many health benefits to open-water swimming, we would always take the opportunity to remind the public that there are also some risks.
“Around Jersey we obviously have to be aware of tides and currents, but it is easy to forget that at this time of year the water temperature is cold at below 12°C and so swimmers should acclimatise to the sea temperature.”
He added: “The risks of hypothermia are very real here, particularly outside the summer months, and so we advise swimmers to be aware of their limitations, swim in groups and make sure that they are fit and healthy before entering the water.”
FACT BOX
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
– shivering
– pale, cold and dry skin
– slow breathing
– tiredness or confusion
