URGENT Warning – Stay Safe – Stay Out of Open Water This Weekend!
With warm weather forecast for this coming weekend, WSCP is urging everyone to be aware of the risks of cooling off or playing in open water sites such as ponds, lakes , rivers, canals and flooded quarries.
Swimming in open water is extremely dangerous as hidden dangers can be beneath the surface.
This can include rubbish which can trap people, as well as slippery rocks and sudden changes in water depth and currents. The water can also become dangerously cold when it gets deeper, leading to cold water shock. This causes dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The sudden gasp and rapid breathing alone create a greater risk of drowning even for confident swimmers in calm waters.
Previous warm and sunny weather has seen people risking their lives, and sadly losing their lives, by swimming in open water, despite signs warning them not too.
This Yorkshire Water video shows the tragic consequences of swimming in reservoirs – but the same could happen in any open water – https://youtu.be/Ile-FwNEafk
Please stay out of open water. If you see anyone in danger, please call 999 immediately.
For more information on water safety, visit the WSCP Water Safety webpage
Calling all professionals – please share this important information with any children and families you work with.