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jellybaby
There's no cold shock in Shadwell right now - I was in at the weekend, and it's about 19 degrees. I swim there all year, and someone without cold water experience would be in trouble with the cold in January, and probably even in early June, but not now.
In this weather, the local kids go down there for a drink, a smoke and a laugh, which often includes jumping in to cool off. It can be a dangerous combination. My guess is that factors are likely to include lack of swimming ability, booze and drugs, the depth and lack of clarity in the water, and panic.