Cllr Judith Guthrie
TAKING a dip in a reservoir or canal could be tempting in warm weather – but it could also be fatal, Warrington Borough Council has warmed.
There are around 400 drownings in UK reservoirs, quarries, canals and other inland waters annually and although the number in Warrington has plummeted compared to what it once was, the council is anxious to ensure local people don’t become the next tragic statistic.
Water in reservoirs is cold enough to numb limbs and induce hypothermia. Hidden currents, steep sides and currents present further dangers.
Cllr Judith Guthrie, the council’s lead member for public protection, said: “We want everyone in Warrington to have a fantastic, fun-packed summer, but urge people to stay out of reservoirs.
“Those who take the plunge can find themselves in serious difficulty within seconds.
“And as reservoirs are often in isolated places, there may be no one around to help, or sound the alarm.
“Please don’t become another tragic statistic this summer.”
The council has listed five reasons for not swimming in a reservoir:
*Icy cold: reservoir temperatures rarely get above 10 degrees, even in summer. They are cold enough to take your breath away, make your arms and legs numb,and induce hypothermia.
*Deep and deadly: reservoirs are often extremely deep, with sudden drops you cannot see.
*Hidden hazards: hidden currents and obstacles below the surface, such as machinery for water treatment, broken glass or other rubbish, is commonplace.
*Once you’re in…. it’s hard to get out. The sides of reservoirs are often very steep.
*Far from help: reservoirs are often in isolated places. If you get into trouble, there may be no one around to help. By the time emergency services arrive, it could be too late.
Warrington-based water company United Utilities owns more than 180 reservoirs across the North West, many surrounded by public access land.
Mark Byard, the company’s health and safety director said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to our reservoir sites this summer. We just ask that people please stay out of the water. The last thing we want is for a fun day out to turn into a tragedy.”
For more information on water safety – including a range of educational resources and real life stories, videos and fact sheets – visit unitedutilities.com/reservoir-safety.
