In warmer weather it can be tempting to take a dip in areas of
open water, but there are some important things you need to know.
Please take some time to read this Reservoir Safety
Education Pack provided by Unitied Utilities and discuss
this with your children if you have any. It could save a life.
Open Water Safety Facts
- Open water is usually colder than water would be in a swimming
pool, this can effect people's ability to swim. Falling or jumping
into very cold water can lead to Cold Water Shock.
- There have been several deaths in the UK over recent years,
when people have underestimated the temperature of the water,
panicked and drowned.
- More than a quarter of adult drowning victims had alcohol or
drugs in their system. If you have been drinking stay away from the
water.
- Carr Mill Dam waters are privately owned and frequently used by
water skiers, who are worried that swimmers are difficult to spot
in the water.
- People have been seen struggling in our local open waters
without suitable buoyancy aids.
- The depths of the water can change unexpectedly, some parts of
the 'Blue Lagoon' in Bold are thought to be up to 20 feet
deep. There may also be underwater hazzards that you cannot
see.
In light of the above we actively discourage the public from
swimming in our open water spaces. Our local fire crews have
familiarised themselves with our open water spots and along with
partners from the Community Safety Partnership will patrol the
areas during busy periods to offer safety advice.
If you fall in open water or find yourself in difficulty follow
the RNLI's Float advice.
Cllr Jeanie Bell, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chair
of the Safer St Helens Partnership advised:
"As the weather improves over the Summer months it is important
that residents understand the dangers of open water swimming.
Whilst our open water areas in the borough look attractive, please
consider the risks, stay safe and do not use these facilities for
swimming. The safest place to swim is in a supervised swimming pool
or cool off in a paddling pool."
Local Facilities
There are lots of websites that can recommend suitable areas for
open water swimming, some requiring membership. Details of some
local open water clubs are below, if you know of any that are
missing from the list let us know @safer.sthelens on Facebook.
St Helens Canoe Club
Carr Mill
Dam
St Helens Canoe Club
website
Facebook
- @sthelenscc
Twitter -
@sthelens_cc
St Helens Tri - (Triathlon Club) various open
water activities
Twitter -
@sthelenstri
Facebook
- St Helens Tri