Stay safe on the bank when the heat is on

WITH swimming pools closed due to coronavirus and summer weather ahead, the Canal & River Trust is urging young people not to take a risk by swimming in canals, rivers, reservoirs and other open waters.

The warm summer months are the most popular times for people to visit Britain’s canals and rivers but CRT is urging anyone thinking of going into the water not to, as they can get into difficulties after jumping into the water to cool down.

Canal and river water will be very cold, even in the summer, which can take your breath away and paralyse your muscles, making it difficult to swim, and it will often hide dangerous obstacles or currents.

Chief operating officer Julie Sharman explained: “Spending time by the water is a lovely way to spend a summer’s day but it’s really important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of going into the water. Taking a dip may be tempting but the consequences can be devastating.

“Inland waterways can look really inviting but you can’t tell what is below the surface. The water is often murky, and you won’t be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water. We’re asking people to find another way to cool off this summer – have an ice cream, cool drink or stay in the shade, but please don’t get in the water, it’s just not worth it.”

Other ways to cool down include lounging in the shade of waterside trees and chilling out on the bank to enjoy the peacefulness of being beside the water.

The Canal & River Trust Explorers water safety programme, which focuses on children in Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum, aims to help young people learn about and enjoy their local canal or river safely.

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Dozens of volunteers nationwide normally help the trust each year by visiting schools and speaking to youth groups about water safety and their local canal or river but this summer, those sessions have been impacted by the coronavirus lockdown.

To help with water safety education at home, the Explorers team has compiled a range of free activities, resources and games which can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/ learning-from-home/water-safety

To find out more about staying safe near canals and rivers, go to: https://canalrivertrust. org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/ safety-on-our-waterways/ summer-water-safety