Warning on the dangers of swimming in reservoirs
Cold water can make body go into shock
AS THE sun beats down over the country, Severn Trent have issued a plea for people to stay out of their reservoirs.
Several people have already been caught swimming in the water company’s reservoirs this year, unaware that they’re putting their life at risk.
Phil Blythe, from Severn Trent, said: “When it’s the school holidays and it’s a nice day, that’s when we see people start to venture into the reservoirs to cool off, but this is such a dangerous thing to do. It can lead to a serious risk to life. Please enjoy the summer at our sites but don’t go into the water.
“To give people an idea, one of our reservoirs is as deep as a nine story building, or six double-decker buses, and freezing in temperature. People shouldn’t get in the water; reservoirs are dangerous places and even the strongest swimmers can get into difficulty. Reservoirs also have water being pumped in and out creating very strong currents which aren’t always visible and they’ll easily overpower a swimmer.”
Despite safety measures being in practice, the reservoirs aren’t managed like swimming pools or beaches.
Mike Dunn, deputy director of education and research at The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), said: “Last year saw a tragic amount of preventable deaths as people flocked to open water sites not suitable for swimming. These sites included rivers, quarries, lakes and reservoirs, all of which have many dangers including very cold water, currents, obstacles and uneven depths.
“They look so inviting but can be deadly. Figures show that on average each year the summer months of July and August witness the most drowning deaths with the majority of drownings being male. And the pattern looks like it is continuing with reports this week of five drownings in less than a 48-hour period.
“I urge people to listen to safety advice and never swim in non-lifeguarded areas unsuitable for swimming. It may seem an inviting way to cool off but there are deadly dangers such as extremely cold temperatures, unpredictable currents, uneven depths and unknown debris or object people can jet injured or caught in.
“Cold Water Shock can happen at any time of the year, not just summer. When you jump, dive or fall into cold water, there’s an involuntary ‘gasp’ response as the water hits your skin – you won’t be able to control your breathing. During Cold Shock your blood pressure rises and heart rate increases, and most people, even the best of swimmers, start to panic.”
The RLSS UK said that being aware of the basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of Cold Water Shock and the hazards, can significantly reduce the number deaths each year.”