Stay safe on hottest day of 2019
Date published: 25 July 2019
People are being urged to never swim in open water, such as reservoirs (Watergrove reservoir pictured)
With temperatures expected to reach 33°C today (Thursday 25 July), the public is being urged to stay safe near water on the hottest day of the year.
People are being urged to never swim in open water, such as reservoirs, as while it may seem like a tempting way to cool off, the drop in temperature can cause shock and increase breathing rate.
Muscles will stiffen and fatigue will set in very quickly, making it impossible to swim to safety, even for the strongest of swimmers.
Unknown risks, such as rocks and broken bottles can also be hidden beneath the water and there is often no supervision by lifeguards to help if you if you do get in trouble.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said: “On the hottest day of the year, we would like to remind everyone to stay safe.
“It might be tempting to cool off in open water, but please don’t. Cold water shock is a very real danger and the consequences can be fatal.”
In April 2019, working with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and United Utilities, GMFRS was involved in the launch of a pilot initiative which sees throwline boards now being available at a number of Greater Manchester’s reservoirs which have sadly claimed the lives of young people over recent years.
The throwline’s information board provides advice on how to help in an emergency and pinpoints an accurate location for fire and rescue services.
In Rochdale, the safety lines have been installed at Greenbooth Reservoir and Hollingworth Lake.
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, tell somebody, preferably a lifeguard if there is one nearby.
Alternatively use your mobile or go to the nearest telephone and dial 999, ask for the police at inland water sites and the coastguard at the beach.
For more information on how to stay safe, please visit:
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