In light of the hot weather forecast next week, Nottinghamshire County Council, a member of the Nottinghamshire Water Safety Partnership, is warning people of the dangers of swimming in open water, including rivers, lakes and reservoirs. In particular, we are promoting the following key messages about the dangers of going in the water:
- very cold temperatures – the water can be colder than expected even in warm weather resulting in people suffering cold water shock
- hidden currents – there can be strong underwater currents, which can trouble even the most confident swimmers
- reservoirs are often very deep
- there may be hidden debris or underwater hazards which can cause injury
- it can be difficult to get out as banks may be steep and slippery
Please could you share these messages with your pupils to raise water safety awareness and the danger of swimming in rivers and open water ahead of the summer holidays.
Further information can be found on Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue’s Water Safety Page.