Cheshire Police and Fire issue open water safety warning ahead of heatwave
Residents advised to avoid unsupervised swimming
Residents in Cheshire are being warned about the dangers of swimming in open water as the area prepares for an upcoming heatwave.
With record-breaking temperatures recently, the trend seems set to continue, encouraging people, particularly the youth, to seek relief in open bodies of water.
Cheshire Police Superintendent Andy Blizard stresses the importance of understanding the deadly risks.
He advised opting for swimming with organised groups possessing the expertise to ensure safety.
“While it may seem tempting to take a dip in open water during the hot weather, it's essential that people are aware of the potential deadly consequences.”
Andy Blizard warned against the risks posed by undercurrents, debris, and cold water shock, urging residents to resist the temptation due to potential hazards beneath the surface.
Station Manager Ryan Swindells from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of choosing supervised locations.
“Sadly, we’ve already seen a number of water-related tragedies across the country this summer. If you're looking to cool down, we would always encourage people to choose supervised locations rather than taking risks in open water.”
Swindells also advised against entering the water to rescue distressed individuals, recommending reaching out to them with a stick or pole, and immediately calling 999.
Key safety advice includes swimming exclusively in designated supervised areas, avoiding swimming alone, and never leaving children unsupervised near water.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service offer free water safety education, including the RNLI Waterside Responder Scheme for businesses near water.
For additional water safety information, please visit the Cheshire Fire website.