Fire chief warns do not swim in open water

Date published: 07/06/2007

As the hot weather is set to continue into the weekend Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has issued a safety warning to children and young people who may be tempted to play or swim in open water around the county.

County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said: "It is an almost inevitable fact that a spate of hot weather usually means we will find ourselves attending a tragic incident involving someone playing on or near water. I know it’s tempting for people but it is all too easy for them to get into trouble. If you fancy a dip then go to your local swimming pool, it’s supervised and safe."

This warning is given again as it nears the anniversary of the tragic death of a 13 year old boy in Haughton Green Denton on the 8 June 2006. As well as this loss there were over 30 people rescued from water by Greater Manchester Fire-fighters between June 2006 and May 2007.

The reasons why people should avoid swimming in open water are:

• There is no supervision (lifeguards), should people get into trouble.
• The water is often a lot colder than people expect and it can impact on peoples physical capabilities.
• Often people can’t find a suitable place to get out of the water.
• There is no way of knowing what lies beneath the water surface, shopping trolleys, opened tin cans and broken bottles are all examples of what has been found in the past.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service would urge parents to supervise their children's activities during the warm period to avoid tragedies associated with open water.