Date: 21st July, 2016
Whilst the recent warm weather is enjoyable, it also carries risks to safety, so Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people about the dangers of water.
When it’s hot, the temptation is always there to take a cooling dip in open water. However, any lake or waterway can hold hidden dangers, such as uneven depths, sudden decreases in temperature, out-of-sight objects and unseen currents.
Station Manager Ant Bholah said: “We are appealing to parents, particularly now the school holidays have started, to make sure they know where their children are and to keep them from going into lakes, reservoirs and rivers. Water can look calm on the surface, but there are often undercurrents that can pull even the strongest swimmer under. In addition, water can feel relatively warm on the surface but be icy cold just a few feet beneath – this can quickly cause severe cramp and even hypothermia.”
Amongst the Service’s tips for staying safe near water are:
- Alcohol and swimming don’t mix – stay out of the water if you’ve been drinking.
- Always watch your child while at the beach, lake or other areas of water.
- Never let children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds.
- Don’t swim near motor boats, jet skis or other power vehicles.
- Never interfere with lifesaving equipment – you might need it yourself.
- Children should always visit open water sites with a grown-up.
- Swimming anywhere other than at purpose built and supervised swimming pools can be highly dangerous and is not recommended, unless as part of an organised club.
For more safety advice, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/water-safety