Being near bodies of water—such as seas, rivers, and lakes—can induce a sense of relaxation, as water activates our parasympathetic nervous system, aiding in rest and digestion. This calming effect, which slows the heart rate and reduces blood pressure, explains why many people find comfort and joy in water-related activities.
However, the enjoyment of water comes with significant risks. In the UK, drowning is a major cause of accidental deaths, surpassing home fires and cycling accidents. Each year, approximately 400 people drown in the UK’s coastal and inland waters.
Alarmingly, 40% of these incidents occur when individuals are not intending to be in the water, such as when they are unexpectedly caught by a rising tide or jump in to rescue a pet. This highlights the danger to not just those actively engaging in water activities.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reports over 100,000 water rescues annually, often involving tragic outcomes that leave survivors and their families with severe injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Data indicates that men are 80% more likely to drown than women, particularly middle-aged men and teenage boys. This increased risk is linked to men spending more time in water and engaging in riskier behaviors, such as swimming alone, drinking alcohol, and ignoring safety equipment like life jackets. Social pressures and a tendency to underestimate risks also contribute to higher drowning rates among men.
At Bournemouth University, my team of neuroscience and communication experts is collaborating with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to enhance water safety communication. We are using virtual reality simulations to study brain activity during water immersion, employing emotional sensors in smart glasses to understand how fear and other emotions are experienced in these scenarios. We will showcase this technology at a Bournemouth University exhibition in August 2024 to raise awareness about water risks and gather more data.
Our research has revealed the complexities of human emotions in water safety and the role of instinct in decision-making, with men showing different risk perceptions and impulsive behavior compared to women, who tend to be more cautious.
Activity type also affects water risk. People preparing for activities like paddleboarding and kayaking typically have the right equipment and training, making them safer than those using inflatables like lilos, which are often used without proper preparation and can be easily swept away.
Unexpected water entry, such as being caught by tides while walking or taking a selfie at a cliff’s edge, is particularly dangerous due to the element of surprise and lack of preparation. This unpreparedness increases drowning risk, especially for individuals who fall into water fully clothed and may fear water.
Drowning incidents frequently occur in inland waterways, which are colder, deceptively calm, and often conceal hidden dangers like deep spots, strong currents, or debris. Polluted water and difficult exit points also pose serious risks.
Instincts play a crucial role in our water response. For example, in cold water shock, our bodies react with heightened alertness and adrenaline, causing us to gasp and struggle, which can lead to exhaustion. Overriding these instincts—such as swimming parallel to the shore to escape rip currents—can be lifesaving.
The ocean offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, from swimming and sailing to simply enjoying the beach. Understanding how to stay safe while engaging with water is vital for preventing accidents. Simple safety steps—keeping your head back, staying calm, gently paddling, and spreading your limbs—can make a significant difference. If you see someone in distress, shout the “float to live” instructions and call 999 for help rather than attempting a rescue yourself.
This article is part of the “Vitamin Sea” series, exploring the benefits of our connection to the ocean and the importance of marine conservation.
