Police issue safety warning at lock near Selby

Children are jumping in to West Haddlesey Lock

Author: Jon BurkePublished 29th May 2026

Police say they're dealing with an extremely dangerous and ongoing situation, where children are jumping into West Haddlesey Lock from height, surrounded by hard stone walls, in an operational waterway managed by the Canal & River Trust.

This is not a swimming spot - this is not safe

Children have already been reported falling ill after entering the water. Please look out for symptoms of diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms if you suspect your child has been wild swimming and seek appropriate medical care/advice.

The lock walls are solid – a fall or collision could be fatal

This is a working lock – water levels and conditions can change without warning.

What are police doing?

Regular high visibility patrols of the area.

Several dispersal orders have been issued in this area.

Working alongside other agencies - The lock is privately owned by the Canal and Rivers Trust and anyone on site other than for legitimate use of the lock is trespassing.

How can you help?

PLEASE – do NOT drop your children off in this area. Do not assume it's okay because other children are there.

If you see children at this location, please call 999 if there is immediate danger, or 101.

11 people have tragically lost their lives in water-related incidents across the country in recent weeks.

Please help police keep your children safe this Summer.

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