News
It might be hot but Severn Trent urges people to keep out of the water at its visitor sites
8th May 2018
With the heatwave across the UK continuing, Severn Trent is reminding people to keep out of the water at its visitor sites.
The sites, which include Draycote Water in Warwickshire, Carsington Water and Upper Derwent Valley in Derbyshire, Thornton in Leicestershire, and Lake Vyrnwy in Powys, have been very popular over the Bank Holiday weekend and there have been some reports of people getting into the water.
Dan Taberner, from Severn Trent says: “With the weather as hot as it has been, it’s natural to want to cool off in the water, but you really are putting your life at risk.
“Our reservoirs may look calm and inviting on the surface but, underneath the water is extremely deep with incredibly strong currents that even the most experienced swimmer would struggle swimming in, so please don’t go in the water.”
Severn Trent’s reservoirs are primarily there to supply its eight million customers across the Midlands and mid-Wales with water but many of the larger sites are also open to the public for a great day out.
“Unlike beaches and swimming pools, we don’t have manned lifeguards to help if anyone struggles in the water,” said Dan.
“So it’s really important, for everyone to have an enjoyable visit to keep safe, and keep out the water.”
The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) offers useful advice on its website https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/water-safety-information and advises everyone to only swim at sites with lifeguards.
The RLSS says that being aware of the basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of Cold Water Shock and the hazards, can significantly reduce the number deaths each year.