How good is your open water safety knowledge?
Open water is rewarding, but conditions can change quickly and cold water can affect even experienced swimmers. Test your knowledge of some key open water safety principles.
The questions in this quiz are based on established water safety guidance from the RNLI, including advice on cold water shock, rip currents and emergency response. You can read the RNLI’s full open water swimming safety guidance for more detail.
Quiz
5 questions
Question 1 of 5
At what water temperature does the RNLI define water as cold enough for cold water shock to be a significant risk?
The RNLI defines water below 15°C as cold water. Sudden immersion at these temperatures can seriously affect breathing and movement, including causing an involuntary gasp and rapid breathing.
Question 2 of 5
If you unexpectedly enter cold water and experience cold water shock, what should you do first?
The RNLI advises resisting the instinct to swim immediately. Float on your back, relax and regain control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety if you are able.
Question 3 of 5
You are swimming at the coast and become caught in a rip current. What should you generally avoid doing?
Trying to swim directly against a rip can quickly exhaust you. RNLI guidance is to avoid fighting the current; if you cannot stand, swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make for shore.
Question 4 of 5
If you see someone in serious difficulty in the sea, what should you do?
At the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. The RNLI advises against entering the water yourself, because you could also get into difficulty; where possible, encourage the person to float and throw them something buoyant.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these is the best general approach before an open water swim?
RNLI guidance recommends checking weather, tides and water conditions, swimming with a buddy, knowing your limits and keeping track of safe entry and exit points. In cold water, enter gradually rather than jumping or diving straight in.
Quiz complete
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