Police warn over open water dangers
As temperatures soar people are being warned to avoid swimming in open water, after a man and a woman died earlier this week.
The warning, from West Mercia Police and the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), came as the emergency services continue searches for a 13-year-old boy who went missing while swimming with friends in Stoke-on-Trent.
Chief Inspector Melanie Crowther of West Mercia Police said that open water can contain a number of hidden dangers.
She warned people to resist the temptation presented by water that may look harmless.
She said: "As summer temperatures soar, taking a cooling dip in the water is an obvious temptation, but one that often hides much less obvious dangers to your safety.
"Being a strong swimmer does not mean you will be safe in open water. There are many hidden dangers including: cold water temperatures that can lead to cold water shock; hidden currents; unseen objects such as rubbish, broken glass or hazardous materials; it can also be difficult to gauge the water depth and there are potential health risks from poor water quality.
"We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine safely and in an emergency please don't jump into the water to attempt a rescue, call 999."
RLSS UK's director of research and education, Mike Dunn, urged people to avoid it becoming a "summer of tragedy".
He said: "In previous years we have seen a tragic amount of preventable deaths as people flocked to open water sites not suitable for swimming. These sites included rivers, quarries, lakes and reservoirs - all of which have many dangers including very cold water, currents, obstacles and uneven depths. They look so inviting but can be deadly.
"We want people to enjoy water, but safely and sensibly – using their common sense and listening to advice. Do not be tempted to cool off in open water, we do not want another summer of tragedy."
On Monday a woman drowned while swimming off Eastbourne in East Sussex and a man died after being seen struggling in a lake in Nutfield, Surrey.
