South Yorkshire Fire urge young people to 'stay out of open water' as temperatures rise again
The fire service in the region ended up being called out to two fatalities in May 2026 due to young people entering the open water
Last updated 22nd Jun 2026
With another heatwave on the way - people in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire are being encouraged to 'not to even consider' going into open water.
Last month - two young boys tragically died after drowning at Rother Valley Country Park & the River Don in Mexborough.
Chris Tyler is a Group Manager at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service - He has this advice:
"Don't go into the open water unless it's part of a proper site.
"There's lot of great, organised open water events across the country where you can do it safely.
"If you do end up getting into trouble then float to live.
"Get onto your back and let your breathing calm down.
"For people watching, don't go in to try and rescue your friends or anybody else in there.
"Call 999 and ask for the fire service.
"If you see any throw lines, then throw that into the water until we arrive.
17 people in the UK ended up dying after going into the open water last month.