Rotherham Council is urging residents to be extra careful when in and around open water during warm weather.
Despite there being a 70 percent decrease in the number of open water calls to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue in the last year, it’s still important to be vigilant when around open water.
In 2021 there were four water related fatalities, however, last year there were no accidental drownings reported.
As the weather continues to improve and there are more visitors across Rotherham’s green spaces, such as Rother Valley and Ulley Country Park, swimming in lakes and other open water can become tempting.
Even when the weather is warm, very cold temperatures exist in deeper water including strong hidden currents and debris which can hinder people’s swimming abilities. This means that cold water shock continues to be a danger even in hot weather and can significantly increase the risk of drowning.
In recent years, the Council has enhanced water safety equipment at open water sites which also included training staff members how to use them, increased safety signage, and they continue to work with partners to deliver water safety training in schools.
Throughout the summer period, the Council will be sharing important water safety messaging through their social media channels to raise awareness of water safety and encourage residents to share their messaging.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste Services, Leisure and Green Spaces, Cllr Lynda Marshall, said: “Drowning fatalities can sadly happen to anyone at any age, so it is crucial to be safe and alert when around open water sites such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Hidden dangers and strong currents lay beneath the water line so no matter how strong of a swimmer you are, you will still be susceptible to cold-water shock.
“Please stay out of open water at all times and remember that there are other ways to cool off during warm weather. Local leisure centres have supervised swimming pools with trained lifeguards and base their swimming lessons around building life skills for individuals of any age and ability.
“We urge residents to speak to their children, family members, and friends about the importance of water safety and the steps to remember if you do ever find yourself in open water unexpectedly.”
Simon Haycock from Sam’s Army, said: “As a family, we don’t want any other families to go through what we did in losing Sam. So, for the past few years I have been working with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to raise awareness around water safety.
“Education is key, and I will go anywhere to educate people on the importance of water safety and the hidden dangers that occur in open water, as there are many dangerous factors that people don’t usually think about.
"I advise anyone to find other ways to cool off in warm weather and not to take any unnecessary risks when near open water. Please stay safe, look after your loved ones, and remember to educate yourself, friends, and your family.”
The effect on the body of entering water 15°C and below is often underestimated. It can seriously affect your breathing and movement. The sudden cooling causes an involuntary gasp for breath and increases breathing uncontrollably which leads to panic and inhaling water.
If you do find yourself entering the water unexpectedly:
- Take a minute. The initial effects of cold-water pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away.
- Relax and float on your back to catch your breath. Try to get hold of something that will help you float.
- Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you’re able.
Stay safe, stay out of the water.
For more information, go to the Council’s website.
