People warned of swimming in reservoirs with United Utilities ‘Beautiful but Deadly’ campaign

People warned of swimming in reservoirs

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People are being warned of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs, thanks to a new campaign by United Utilities.

Many people remain unaware of the dangers of swimming in open bodies of waters such as reservoirs and quarries.

The hard-hitting ‘Beautiful but Deadly’ campaign was launched to coincide with the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s National Drowning Prevention Week (16-26 June), urging people to stay safe at reservoirs.

Last month, 16-year-old Paul Lawson died after a tragic accident at Greenbooth Reservoir, just one year after 13-year-old Rafael Pizarro died after falling into the Rochdale Canal in Middleton.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/110753/a-teenager-has-died-at-greenbooth-reservoir

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/103547/the-family-of-13yearold-rafael-pizarro-who-died-after-falling-into-a-canal-in-middleton-have-paid-tribute-to-him

Latest statistics from United Utilities revealed 300 people in the UK lost their lives in 2016 due to accidental drowning and over 40% of people in Rochdale admitted they would consider swimming in a reservoir to cool down.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/110700/local-residents-would-risk-it-at-the-reservoir-new-research-reveals

There are 180 reservoirs across the North West with many in beautiful locations. Reservoirs may look inviting, especially on a hot day, but they are about the worst possible places to take a swim.

Reservoirs, with their sudden drops, hidden machinery, unpredictable currents, and freezing, muscle-numbing water can be fatal for those who ignore the warning signs. Even the strongest swimmers can quickly get into difficulty.