Coronavirus: ‘Stay local’ warning as swimmers turn to the sea and lakes for fix

Outdoor Swimming Society urges people to be responsible, as RNLI says there are no lifeguards during lockdown

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Swimmers have been warned about the risks of taking a dip outdoors as people turn to the sea, lakes and rivers while pools remain closed.

Boris Johnson eased lockdown restrictions from Wednesday to allow people to exercise as much as they want in the open air, where the prime minister said the risk of infection from coronavirus was lower compared to indoors.

But as public pools and leisure centres remain closed, concerns have been raised over less experienced outdoor swimmers turning to “wild” swimming.

While people in England are now allowed to drive to outdoor spaces and can enjoy unlimited amounts of exercise while practising social distancing, the Outdoor Swimming Society is advising people to “swim local” at familiar surroundings.

The organisation wrote on Facebook: “Within England many rural, coastal and wild areas and communities, such as Cornwall and Cumbria, are urging the public not to travel to them for fear of a second spike.

“It is sensible to consider your responsibility in supporting this and to swim local, at places already known to you.”

It added: “Many swimmers are choosing to ‘sit this one out’ to maintain solidarity with those on the frontline, and because of the practical difficulties of reaching swim spots without crowding them or impacting local communities.

“Do not place yourself in a situation where you will need help: you can’t maintain social distancing whilst being rescued.”

The RNLI has warned that none of its lifeguards are currently on beaches after the roll-out of the normal seasonal service was paused at the end of March because of the lockdown.

It said it hopes to provide a lifeguard service on about 30 per cent of the more than 240 beaches it usually patrols this summer.

The charity has also reported a spike in rescues near Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat station in Norfolk, where crews have been called out at least nine times since the lockdown began.

“Social distancing is not an option whilst on a lifeboat, and our volunteer crews have to take this into account when the call comes in and try and adhere as best to the guidelines,” a spokesperson said.

In a statement following the updated lockdown guidance for England, the charity said: “The RNLI has seen a number of water rescues around the coast and therefore urges all who are using the water to make sure they understand the risks and follow safety advice.

“Many people will want to visit the coast and participate in water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, surfing, boating and angling.

“The charity is warning beach visitors that at present there are no RNLI lifeguards on beaches and although our volunteer lifeboat crews are fully operational, should they be needed, it is important that anyone visiting the coast understands the risk and takes the necessary steps to keep themselves safe.

“This will also help to reduce the demands placed on our lifeboat crews and other emergency services including HM Coastguard.”