What is cold water shock? Warnings after 12 die during heatwave
The UK is experiencing a heatwave that has led to the deaths of 12 individuals due to cold water shock while swimming in open water. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert, warning of increased risks of water-related incidents. Cold water shock can affect anyone, regardless of swimming ability, and can lead to drowning or heart attacks.
- ▪Twelve people have died this summer while swimming in open water across the UK.
- ▪The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for eastern and South East England and London.
- ▪Cold water shock can cause gasping, panic, and loss of swimming ability, leading to drowning.
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NewsUKHome NewsWhat is cold water shock? Warnings after 12 die during heatwaveA dozen people have died so far this summer swimming in open water across the UKJordan Reynolds Friday 29 May 2026 16:25 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2986099","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cold-water-shock-heatwave-deaths-uk-swimming-b2986099.html","title":"What is cold water shock? Warnings after 12 die during heatwave"}}A man dives into Hathersage open-air swimming pool, at Hope Valley in the Peak District (Danny Lawson/PA)…
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