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As we are experiencing a warm weather spell, we ask that you speak to your children and family members about the dangers of swimming or entering any waters. Swimming in canals, rivers and lakes can be dangerous The water is often a lot colder than you expect – which can cause cramps and make it hard to move. Just because you can swim well in a heated swimming pool doesn't mean you'll be able to swim well in cold waterThere may be hidden currentsIt is difficult to estimate how deep water is before you get in. If it’s too shallow you are at risk of injuring yourself if you jump in and equally deep water may lead you to get into difficultiesYou might not be able to get out, steep, slimy banks or sides can make getting out impossibleThere is no way of knowing what hazards lies beneath the surface of the water; shopping trolleys, sharp metal and broken bottles are just a few things that may be lurkingIf the water is polluted it could make you seriously ill. For example, Weil’s disease is a form of infection that can be caught through contact with contaminated fresh waterSafety advice If you see another person or a pet in trouble in the water: Do not enter the water yourself.Raise the alarm or if you have a mobile phone call 999 and ask for all emergency services. Try and give an exact location of where you are and look for signs or landmarks or use the What 3 Words app.If there is a lifebuoy or throwline nearby throw it to them. If not throw anything to them that will float. |
