Many parts of Europe and the UK are currently experiencing sunny, hot summer weather. The sea offers a welcome respite from the heat, although water temperatures vary considerably depending on the region.

It is warmest around the Mediterranean. There, the water is usually a pleasant 22 to 26 °C, and even a little warmer in shallow bays. On the Atlantic coast, from Portugal to France, by contrast, temperatures are usually between 18 and 20 °C.

The further north you go, the cooler the water gets. From the Netherlands right through to the Baltic states, temperatures are often only around 15 °C. Despite the heat on land, swimming there is really only for the brave.

Remember! In very hot weather, you should not jump straight into cold water. The sudden temperature shock to an overheated body can put a severe strain on the circulatory system and, in extreme cases, can even be life-threatening. It is better to cool down gradually.