Residents warned to stay away from lakes in hot temperatures
A warning has been issued to stop residents cooling off in potentially dangerous lakes, reservoirs and quarries, as temperatures are set to reach 30C this week.
The call follows the tragic death of Carl Storer who died trying to rescue a young girl who got into difficulties in Chasewater earlier in the summer.
Staffordshire County Council’s communities leader Gill Heath said: “The death of Carl was both a tragic and timely reminder of how people can quickly get into difficulties.
“With schools breaking up for the summer and warmer weather on the way we are calling for parents to remind their children of the dangers, and are warning people not to be tempted to cool off in open water.
“Swimming in open water is completely different to swimming in a safe, controlled swimming pool and can be very dangerous. People wanting to take up open water swimming should only do so with organised groups and experienced instructors. We want people to have a safe and enjoyable time this summer and would certainly encourage people to swim in one of the many public pools across Staffordshire.”
Around 85 per cent of accidental drownings happen at open water sites.
Latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum show that 263 people lost their lives in accidental drownings in the UK in 2018.
Open water swimming is dangerous – inland water can be as cold as two degrees, even in summer, and is rarely warmer than 10C. Cold water can seriously affect the strength and stamina of even the strongest swimmers.
It can also cause ‘cold water shock’ which can lead to sudden loss of consciousness and drowning. Prolonged periods in cold water can also lead to hypothermia.
National guidance on preventing drowning can be found via rospa.com/leisure-safety/water
