STAY OUT of the water and stay safe – that’s the message from Severn Trent and Swim England as temperatures rise.
The water company and governing body for swimming have joined forces to help keep people safe at reservoirs this summer.
Reservoirs across the region are beautiful places for people to enjoy walks in nature, stunning views and lovely places to eat and drink.
Despite looking beautiful and calm, reservoirs can pose hidden dangers because the water is extremely cold, is very deep, and has strong currents and machinery beneath the surface that you can’t see.
So, whilst people are encouraged to enjoy the sites during the lovely weather, the are also advised to stay out of the water and stay safe.
The Met Office announced the country faced it warmest spring on record, and Severn Trent is well prepared to deal with periods of warm weather, with reservoirs being an important part of the water network.
Dan Taberner, visitor experience lead at Severn Trent, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our sites as the warm weather returns, but we want to make sure everyone keeps safe.
“We ask that nobody enters the water at all our reservoir sites, as there are hidden dangers you can’t see – it’s extremely cold that can easily lead to shock and drowning, and it has strong currents and machinery beneath the surface. We take the safety of visitors extremely seriously and we want everyone to enjoy these spaces safely, so please stay out of the water and stay safe.
“As the warm weather returns, customers can have confidence in their water supply, and as water is a precious resource we always encourage people to be mindful of water especially as the drier and warmer weather continues.”
Ashley Jones, water safety and drowning prevention manager at Swim England said: “Regular open water swimmers do so with safety front of mind.
“It’s vital that anyone that is tempted to take dip by the recent warm weather only enter the water at managed venues, events or lifeguarded areas where risk assessments have taken place and routes thoroughly planned to ensure everyone’s safety.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to swim, but do so in a controlled and safe manner.”
