Police warn of dangers of open water swimming
‘DEADLY CONSEQUENCES’ HIGHLIGHTED AFTER CALLS
A WARNING has been issued to anyone thinking about swimming in open water during the summer.
Police have received numerous calls and complaints about people swimming in the lakes in Hoveringham and the riverfront at Gunthorpe.
The Nottinghamshire force says open water swimming can have deadly consequences.
They have warned “the water may look calm on the surface, but there may still be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under”.
Police say they have also received complaints about people jumping off the bridge and into the River Trent.
Despite the warm weather, temperatures just below the surface can often be freezing cold – and could quickly lead to severe cramp and hypothermia.
A Facebook post outlining the dangers by Sherwood Police read: “During this period of hot weather, we continue to receive numerous calls and complaints regarding the lakes in Hoveringham and the river front at Gunthorpe, which relate to parking and swimming.
“Individuals are clearly ignoring the obvious dangers of swimming in deep and fast-flowing waters with reports of people swimming in the lake and jumping off the bridge into the River Trent.
“We would like to remind people the dangers of open water swimming which can have deadly consequences and is highly dangerous. “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.
“We would also urge parents to be aware of where their children are as we are seeing many groups of teenagers and children gathering in these locations.”
The water may look calm on the surface, but there may still be strong undercurrents...
Sherwood Police