In hot weather it can be tempting to cool off in open waters such as a canal, river or reservoir, but there are many dangers, even for a strong swimmer.
There are many risks to swimming in open waters:
- The water can be extremely cold, even on a hot day. The shock of cold water affects your muscles making it very difficult to swim and increases the difficulty of getting out of the water if you get into a dangerous situation
- There is a lack of safety equipment and increased difficulty for rescue if you do get into a difficulty. There are also no life guards to help
- It is difficult to estimate the depth of the water and this changes and is unpredictable with uneven river beds
- Underwater objects and hazards may not be visible and there may be hidden rubbish like shopping trolleys or glass.
- Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away even if you are strong swimmer
- Open waters are not meant for swimming and so have steep banks which are very difficult to get in and out of
- The water might be polluted with toxic algal blooms and industrial/agricultural pollution and therefore can make you ill.
The RLSS website provides lots of helpful information on water safety including water safety resources which encourage a safe relationship with the water.
Get to know your Water Safety Code with RLSS UK.
Watch this animation which tells the story of a young girl who is missing out from having fun in the water as she doesn’t feel confident - up steps an RLSS UK Lifeguard who tells her all about her local Lifesaving club. She soon becomes a Rookie Lifeguard – watch to find out more!
Enjoy the weather, but keep yourself safe.