People are ignoring danger signs and putting their lives at real risk by playing either right next to reservoirs or in worst case scenarios, actually entering the water.
That’s according to Yorkshire Water who are warning people in Harrogate to stay out of their reservoirs, such as Fewston and Swinsty, after responding to several incidents last weekend involving people in its waters.
Thankfully nobody was injured, but the company is warning that if people continue to ignore the danger signs and fences, it’s potentially only a matter of time until someone doesn’t make it out alive.
The warm weather of the last seven days has also led to other issues at the company’s reservoir sites, including incidents where people have illegally set up camp, lit fires which are strictly prohibited and indulged in petty vandalism.
Matt Thompson from Yorkshire Water comments:
It’s a very stark message, but if you enter our reservoirs, for whatever reason, you may not come out alive.
They may seem like a good place to take a swim or cool down but, in fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
When fatalities occur – and they do across the UK each year – it’s often the temperature which is the most significant factor. Reservoirs are deep and the water doesn’t flow like in rivers or the sea so the temperature rarely rises much above 12C.
Strong current also lurk beneath the surface of often calm looking waters as we draw water into our supply network.
It really doesn’t matter how well you can swim as it’s the cold which paralyses your muscles, meaning the victim is unable to stay afloat and if help doesn’t arrive within seconds, they will drown.
So, please don’t put yourself in danger, please stay out of our reservoirs.
Even if the alarm is raised quickly, it can be minutes before emergency services arrive at the scene, and even then, they may not be able to enter the water until specialist equipment arrives.
Yorkshire Water has worked with the Hambleton Community Safet Partnership to develop a hard-hitting DVD which re-enacts a drowning and the response by police, fire and ambulance services. More details about the Dying To Be Cool campaign are available on the company’s website at yorkshirewater.com/safety
