Warm weather highlights dangers of open water

As the warm, sunny weather arrives in time for the school holidays and the temptation to jump into rivers and lakes to cool off increases, parents are being urged to remind young people of the risks of swimming in open water.

Having already seen a number of tragic incidents across the country involving people getting into difficulty in water, including the very sad incident on Thursday (April 3) where a teenager lost his life in Farcet after entering the lake, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is highlighting the risks associated with swimming in open water.

Station Commander Paul Clarke, the Service’s lead for Water Safety, said: “In a few short days we have seen the heart-breaking consequences of swimming in open water. Not only the incident in Farcet on Thursday, but also a similar tragedy in London involving a 15 year old boy. It really brings into sharp focus just how dangerous swimming in open water can be where the risks are not considered.

“As much as it can look very tempting to go for a swim in a river, lake or other areas of open water like quarries, even if the weather is warm, the water can be much colder than expected. At this time of year, you wouldn’t expect the water to be warmer than 4 or 5 degrees and that can cause your body to go into cold water shock which can affect your ability to breath.

“It’s also really important to remember that open water can be deeper than expected, with unseen hazards below the surface. Things like rubbish, shopping trolleys and rubble can be hidden beneath the murky water that can easily trap or injure someone. The water may also look calm on the surface, but there may still be strong undercurrents, especially near locks, that could pull even the strongest swimmer under. It is certainly safer to consider visiting one of the many public swimming pools or lidos located around the county.”

Although still risky, there are ways to swim in open water safely.

Paul continued: “We know there are people and groups that do meet to swim in open water and do so safely, as part of a regular exercise programme or hobby. Our key message at the start of the Easter holidays is more aimed at parents and carers to talk to their children about the dangers of swimming in open water unsupervised.”

Here are some useful tips those people should consider:
• If you get into difficulty in water, you should “Float to Live”, by leaning back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat, and try and control your breathing. Once calm, either call for help or try and swim to safety.
• Try and go swimming with someone else, so you can assist each other or call for help if you do get into difficulty. If you see someone else in trouble near water, call for help immediately by dialling 999. Never try and carry out a rescue yourself, you could put yourself in danger too. You can try and find something to throw to them to use as a float or to pull them in if they are near to the edge and it’s safe to do so.
• A really useful tip to help our Control operators and crews to pinpoint your location is giving us a what3words reference. This is easy to do by downloading the app before heading out and encouraging everyone in your group to do the same, making a note of where you’re swimming. The app is free and available to download on any mobile device.

Paul concluded: “We know water is tempting when it’s warm outside and as friends gather in the school holidays and are looking for something to do it can seem great fun. But the fun can quickly turn to tragedy and that is what we are trying to prevent by ensuring everyone understands the risks and hidden dangers and knows what to do if they or one of their friends gets into trouble.”