[D]uring the current spell of warm weather, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is issuing a reminder to anyone tempted to cool off in rivers, canals, ponds, reservoirs or lakes – swimming in open water can have deadly consequences. The reminder comes during the annual National Drowning Prevention Week.
Every year firefighters are called to incidents where people (particularly children and young people) get into difficulty when cooling off in open water.
The water may look calm on the surface, but there may still be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under. The water may also feel relatively warm on the surface, but just a few feet below can be icy cold even in the hot weather and can very quickly cause severe cramp and hypothermia.
Young people often misjudge their swimming ability – they may view a river or lake as a tempting means of cooling off during a hot spell of weather, but fail to appreciate the harmful effects that the cold water can have on their stamina and strength.
Due to these dangers, we are urging people, particularly children and teenagers, not to swim anywhere other than in purpose-built and supervised swimming pools, unless they are members of an organised group.
The following are some key safety tips for staying safe near open water:
- Alcohol and swimming do not mix – stay out of the water if you have been drinking.
- Always watch your child while at the beach, lake or other natural bodies of water.
- Never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds.
- Do not swim near motor boats, jet skis or other power vehicles.
- Never interfere with lifesaving equipment – you might need it yourself.
- Learn to spot and keep away from dangerous water.
- Take safety advice – heed notices which warn you of the danger.
- Children should always visit open water sites with a grown-up.
