Many providers of activities on and in the water will be starting to think about staff training, induction and refresher sessions ready for the 2026 season, just as average UK water temperatures are at their annual low (February & March).
Paddle UK and the RYA have published safety guidance and information about the dangers of cold-water shock:
https://paddleuk.org.uk/cold-water-shock-infographic/
https://www.rya.org.uk/water-safety/cold-water-shock-safety/cold-water-shock/
More information on the dangers of cold-water shock and the RNLI’s ‘Float to live’ campaign can be found on the RNLI and RoSPA websites:
https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/cold-water-shock
https://www.rospa.com/water-safety/cold-water-shock
Published 12.02.2026
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