01-05-2025
Canal charity issue swimming warning during hot weather
Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, has warned people to stay out of inland waters during the hot weather.
The charity, which looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, has said there are hidden risks under the surface of the water.
Anne Gardner-Aston, director of health and safety at Glandŵr Cymru, said: "Spending time on or by Britain's waterways is a lovely way to spend a spring or summer's day and they are excellent places for families to explore during the warm weather.
"But it's also important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip.
"The consequences can be devastating."
The charity has said that locks and weirs have hidden risks that make them dangerous to swim in.
Locks have hidden 'shelves', called cills, which can seriously injure someone should they jump in, and weirs have strong currents which can pull even the strongest swimmers under the water.
The charity has said that if people do end up in the water and find themselves in difficulty, they should remember 'Float To Live'.
This involves tilting your head back with ears submerged, relaxing and trying to control your breathing, and using your hands to help you stay afloat.
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, remember 'Call Tell Throw'.
This involves calling 999 to get help, telling the struggling person to float on their back, and throwing the person something which floats, such as a life ring, a football or a bottle.
For more information, visit the Canal Rivers Trust website.
