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The heat health alert for the North West has been escalated to amber by the UK Health Security Agency – it will remain in place until 9pm on Sunday 12 July.
The UK Health Security Agency has advice on staying well, particularly for older people, babies and young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions:
- Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
- Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest – if you are outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
For more useful advice and information - UK Health Security Agency.
While it can be tempting to take a cooling dip in the sea or a lake on a hot day, it’s important to remember that the water might still be dangerously cold.
Open water temperatures of 15°C or below can be dangerous, as they can trigger cold water shock. This can cause an involuntary gasp response and a temporary loss of breathing control and swimming ability, increasing the risk of drowning.
Reduce your chances of experiencing cold water shock by following this advice:
- If you’re going for a swim, enter the water slowly so your body has time to adjust to the cold.
- Always go with a friend or group so there is someone around to phone 999 if you get into trouble.
- If possible, wear a wetsuit and take a float and a whistle to help you if you get into trouble in the water
- If you think you are experiencing cold water shock, float to live. Float on your back with your ears under the water and get control of your breathing. Move your arms and legs to help you stay afloat and don’t worry if your legs sink, everybody floats differently. Once you feel calmer, shout for help, use your whistle or swim to safety if you can.
For more information about staying safe in and near the water, visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) website.
Key stakeholders came together recently to celebrate a £6 million extension and the fantastic range of additional spaces, facilities and equipment, being enjoyed at Sandgate School in Kendal by children with Special Educational Needs.
Sandgate is a special school for children and young people between the ages of three and nineteen years. The project has expanded the Sandgate School satellite campus at The Queen Katherine School to include pupils in Key Stage 3. This means all secondary age pupils can learn on the same site and the overall capacity of Sandgate School has also increased.
Westmorland and Furness Council funded the works to create a new entrance and reception area, multiple meeting rooms and offices for lesson planning, four extra classrooms, with separate break out spaces for smaller, more focussed group work, a new sports hall, changing rooms, much needed additional storage and facilities within the attractive, modern extension to the existing school.
You can see more about this exciting project and hear from the people who are benefiting the most from the new facilities by watching our YouTube video:
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