FIRE and rescue crews at Warrington have issued a warning about the dangers of “cooling off” in local rivers, ponds or reservoirs during hot weather.
Swimming is a good way of keeping cool – but not in open water, says Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Drowning is the third highest cause of death in children and causes more than 400 deaths in the UK every year.
Warrington has more than its fair share of rivers, canals, lakes reservoirs and ponds.
Firefighters and other emergency services are often called to these incidents and also risk their own safety to rescue people who get into difficulties.
Cooling off in rivers, canals, ponds, quarries and lakes may seem great fun in the warm weather – but it can have deadly consequences.
Alex Waller, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s head of service delivery said: “People will no doubt be very happy to see the temperatures rising and we want you to enjoy the summer. However we also want it to be done safely. Sadly, each year people die swimming in open water. Our advice is to only ever swim outdoors as part of organised open water swimming club. Don’t let a cooling dip be the last thing you ever do. Please follow our advice to stay safe this summer.”
Risks include the cold water causing a swimmer’s body to shut down, or the onset of cramp which can leave a person unable to continue.
Certain waterways can also have strong undercurrents or underwater debris that can prove fatal.
For more information about water safety or for links to local organised
open water swimming clubs www.cheshirefire.gov.uk
FIRE and rescue crews at Warrington have issued a warning about the
dangers of “cooling off” in local rivers, ponds or reservoirs during hot
weather.
Don't swim in open waters warning
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
