Warning issued as three drown in open water
EMERGENCY SERVICES across Yorkshire are warning people to stay away from open waters following the tragic deaths of three men in just a single day as a heatwave continues to grip the region.
The body of a man in his 50s was recovered from the River Ouse, close to the Water End Bridge in York on Sunday evening, while a man’s body was also pulled from the lake at Crookes Valley Park in Sheffield just before midnight on the same day.
Formal identification of both men is yet to take place, but officers believe they know the identity of both.
The third body of a man was pulled from the water at at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield yesterday, following reports a man got into difficulty after entering the water on Sunday.
The park remained closed as the search took place and is expected to reopen today.
Police and fire services across the county have now issued urgent warnings about the dangers of open waters as the hot weather continues this week.
A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Our message to people is simple – please stay out of the water unless you are at a proper swimming pool or part
of an organised open water swimming group.
“We know how tempting it is to go for a swim in lakes, canals and reservoirs, especially in hot weather like this, but there are too many risks.
“Open bodies of water are often much colder than they look – this can send your body into shock when you jump in and prevent you being able to swim to safety.
“You also have no idea what is underneath – hidden currents, rocks and rubbish being the main dangers that can cause you serious harm.
“With the summer holidays upon us, we call upon parents to speak to their children about the dangers and not giving into peer pressure. We really don’t want to see any more heart-breaking drownings in and around South Yorkshire this summer – each one is one too many.”
Andy Rose, the Group Manager at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service echoed his counterpart.
He said: “Unfortunately, during periods of warm weather we tend to see more people entering canals and rivers to cool down and swim. As appealing this may seem there are many hidden dangers that have tragically taken lives and we would urge members of the public to think twice before entering due the potential unseen hazards and risks.”
Meanwhile a new rescue boat named in memory of a 19-year-old man tragically killed when he fell into the River Foss in York will soon be operational in the city following a fundraising campaign.
Sonny Ferry had been on a night out in the city with friends when he fell into the river. His body was recovered from the water by the York Rescue Boat two days later.