Every year people are injured and die in reservoirs - stay safe, stay out.
Reservoirs are large, often open, areas of water which are used to store water prior to treatment. In the winter they sometimes freeze over and look like a natural ice rink and on hot days people are often tempted to cool off with a swim. Our reservoirs may look inviting but don't be fooled - they can be dangerous places and a swim or trip on the ice can soon become fatal.
Why is it dangerous to swim?
The dangers of swimming in reservoirs and open water include:
- It is always very cold. The temperatures in reservoirs rarely get above freezing, even in summer. This is cold enough to take your breath away, which is the body's natural reaction and cannot be controlled, and can lead to panic and drowning. Cold can also make your arms and legs numb which means you can't control them and can't swim. It can lead to hypothermia - serious reduction in your body temperature - which can cause heart failure.
- It can be deep. You cannot tell how deep the water is and there are often sudden drops which you cannot see.
- There may be hidden currents. These may be from our pipes which you cannot see or hear but will affect your ability to swim.
- There may be hidden obstacles beneath the surface. This may be machinery from our treatment works or even broken glass or other rubbish which has been thrown in.
- It may be difficult to get out. The sides of reservoirs are very steep in places, making it difficult to climb out. there can also be silt or mud on the bottom created when the levels reduce.
- There might be blue green algae in the water. From time to time blue green algae can build up at the water's edge. It is not always visible to the naked eye but can produce toxins that cause skin rashes and stomach upsets. In case of contact wash immediately with clean water.
- Reservoirs are often in isolated places. No matter how quickly you call for help it can be too late to help anyone in trouble.
What can happen?
It doesn't matter how strong a swimmer you are, swimming in reservoirs is extremely dangerous. Within minutes of a swimmer disappearing beneath the surface it is often too late for the emergency services to help as they have to wait for specialist equipment to arrive.
This film highlights the danger of swimming in reservoirs and open water and is shown with permission from Yorkshire Water, Hambleton Community Safety Partnership, the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Police, the Great North Air Ambulance, Best Media and the Three Tequilas Drama Group who made this film.
It has been filmed with the support of two families who lost loved ones and is aimed at teenagers and young adults and includes a dramatic reconstruction of what can happen when you ignore the warning signs.
Our radio advert also shows the consequences of what started out as an innocent day at a reservoir which was also underlined in our facebook ad (shown above).
Where can I swim?
If you do want to swim please use your local swimming pool. Many of the councils in our region offer free swimming sessions for under 16s and over 60s. To check if this happens where you live please contact your local council or your local swimming pool for more information.
Why are frozen reservoirs dangerous?
Frozen reservoirs are very dangerous. It might be tempting to walk or play on the frozen water but the ice can easily break.
The temperature of the water is cold enough to take your breath away, which can lead to panic and drowning.
The coldness can make your arms and legs numb which means you can't control them and can't swim. It can lead to hypothermia - serious reduction in your body temperature - which can cause heart failure.
- Parents - please explain the dangers of playing on frozen reservoirs and lakes to your children.
- Adults - set a good example by staying off the ice yourselves.
- Dog owners - be careful around frozen water and don't throw sticks or balls onto ice. If your dog goes onto the ice and get into difficulty don't attempt to carry out a rescue.
Our message is simple - stay safe, stay off the ice.
How can I find out more about safety around water?
Why not download a poster to colour or an activity sheet for children to complete, or download our water safety poster?
Teachers can call our education liaison service on 01257 425550 and speak to one of our team who can explain what services we can offer your school and how you can access them.
For water safety information for all ages visit ROSPA's website where you can view and download their information leaflets.
We want you to enjoy our land safely and responsibly. For more information on what you can do download our map for places to visit.
Addittional safety and health information can be found on the United Utilities safety & health pages