Islander warns of hypothermia risk after sea swim "backfired"

Tuesday 12 December 2023

An islander who passed out after a cold water swim and later needed hospital treatment has warned people not to take to the sea "unless you are 100%" healthy.

Gary McGurty recently collapsed on the beach at Beauport Bay, and is now urging others to be aware of the risk of hypothermia when deciding to go for a cold water dip this winter.

The 55-year-old told Express that he regularly visited the beach, having started cold water swimming during the pandemic to help with back issues.

However, earlier this month Gary swam in the sea while still recovering from a "really bad" cold – a decision he now regrets.

"I thought the swim would help me to get over the last of it but it backfired on me," he explained.

Pictured: Gary needed to be treated in hospital after contracting hypothermia.

Gary swam for around 10 minutes but, after emerging from the 12-degree water, the 55-year-old passed out.

He explained: "I didn't know about hypothermia, or the symptoms.

"I just went all dizzy, I felt sick, it was the strangest thing."

Despite losing his balance and throwing up repeatedly, Gary managed to phone his wife Lee, who took him home.

Once he got home, Gary collapsed again and his wife called an ambulance to take him to the Hospital.

"I really thought it was curtains on that beach," admitted Gary.

"If you're not 100%, you shouldn't get in there.

"Be mindful about how you feel and don't take it for granted that it's going to be the same as your last swim."