Sea conditions a threat to swimmers as temps rise; Heat affecting Vierdaagse walkers

The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) and the Dutch Reddingsbrigade have warned swimmers not to swim alone during these summer days of high temperatures. Beach visitors are advised to expect cold seawater, which could cause cold shock. The warm weather also resulted in walkers from the walking event the Vierdaagse in Nijmegen being helped by the Red Cross after they had been struggling with overheating. Cool packs and wet towels were used to cool the people off.

"We are sadly still seeing too many cases of somebody swimming alone and getting into trouble," a spokesperson for the Reddingsbrigade said, the Netherlands rescue brigade. "And then you have a big problem, as there is nobody who can get help for you or come save you." The rescue services recommend swimming with other adults or cooling off somewhere with supervision.

Emergency services are preparing for busy days with the current high-temperature weather. Although the Dutch coast and inland waters have been relatively quiet over the last few weeks due to the bad weather, the emergency services are expecting to have to come into action more often this weekend to help swimmers or vessels that have ended up in a dangerous situation, wounded beach visitors, or children that have gotten lost.

The warm weather creates a healthy feeling of tension for the people of the Reddingsbrigade, said the spokesperson. "I know there are brigades that do extra checks of the first aid supplies and double-check whether the work schedule is in order. But it is high season now, so they should all be prepared for that."

KNRM is advising beach visitors to drink plenty and expect cold seawater. "Because we have come from a colder period, the sea is still relatively cold. If you jump into the water too fast, you could get a cold water shock, which is a kind of stiffening of the body."

People are also advised to keep an eye on their surroundings and to stay away from rip currents. "And if offshore wind blows from the beach, do not go into the water with flotation devices. Because then you will be in England before you know it."

The Reddingsbrigade emphasized that people should not swim in areas where it is forbidden, for example, rivers where large ships sail or near lochs and bridges. Bridges are often popular with young people as they jump off them.

"Every year, we see accidents come from this as the fun is just about greater than the sense of safety. Do not look for that risk; go to a swimming place or recreational area."

The heat is also affecting events. The Red Cross had to help several walkers who were overheated in the Vierdaagse on Thursday. They were helped with cool packs or wet towels, a spokesperson said.

There is extra water and ice at all aid stations along the route to cool people, the spokeswoman said. At the end point at the Wedren in Nijmegen there is an extra cooling pool and extra beds to treat people suffering from heat complaints.The large walking event has been shortened by 10 kilometers due to the heat on Friday, the organization said. The walkers who usually walk 50 kilometers will now walk 40 kilometers.

All the distances will change as the 40-kilometer walk becomes 30 kilometers and the 30-kilometer route becomes 20 kilometers. Weeronline is expecting temperatures of around 30 degrees in Nijmegen on Friday.

There will also be a medical care post on the 20 kilometer route, at the Lierdal Sportcenter in the village of Molenhoek and additional water points at the beginning of the Via Gladiola, after the village of Malden, and at the finish on the Wedren in Nijmegen.

"The measures are taken to allow walkers to take extra rest along the way or to finish on time," march leader Henny Sackers said in a press statement. The organization advises participants to eat and drink enough along the way and to keep moving.

Shortening the route of the Vierdaagse has happened several times in the past. Several deaths have occurred in the past when it was very hot during the Vierdaagse. In 2006, the Vierdaagse was canceled after one day, when two people died and hundreds fainted in the heat. The Vierdaagse in 2022 was shortened by one day because of the hot weather.