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Apr 2023

Last Updated: 21/04/2023

Environment

Reservoir swimming warning amid planned 'mass swim' at Swinsty

by Calvin Robinson Chief Reporter

| 21 Apr, 2023

Swinsty Reservoir. Picture: Colin Corker.

Yorkshire Water and North Yorkshire Fire Rescue Service have warned against the dangers of reservoir swimming in the Harrogate district.

The warning comes amid reports of a 'mass swim' planned for Swinsty Reservoir.

In an email to Washburn Parish Council, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret, the company told the council it had been made aware of a swim in the reservoir this Sunday (April 23).

Yorkshire Water said it would be making its on-site contractors aware of the plan and inform “blue light control rooms and their communications teams”.

It is unclear who has organised the proposed swim or why it is planned to take place.

Meanwhile, both Yorkshire Water and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have reiterated the dangers of swimming in reservoirs.

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Yorkshire Water estimates 277 accidental drowning deaths took place in reservoirs in 2021, 23 of which were in Yorkshire and five in North Yorkshire specifically.

Swimming is not permitted at the company's reservoirs.

As a result, the company has backed a campaign by the National Fire Chiefs Council to urge people not to enter reservoirs.

Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor at Yorkshire Water, said:

“Tragically we’ve already seen the dangers of open water in our region this year. With the weather set to improve we’re expecting to see a rise in people entering our reservoirs, whether that be those intending to swim or people deciding the water looks inviting. We are once again backing the NFCC campaign to raise awareness of the dangers open water poses.

“It is vital those visiting our sites stay out of the water, no matter how tempting it may appear. Cold water shock, undercurrents and operating machinery all pose dangers to people deciding to enter the water.

“If people see others in difficulty in the water, they should contact the emergency services on 999 as they are trained to deal with such events.”

A statement from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said:

"Reservoirs are large, often open areas of water which are used to store water prior to treatment.

"We have several in North Yorkshire and on hot days they often look tempting to cool off with a swim.

"Although they can look like a lovely way to stay cool, please don’t be fooled. They can be extremely dangerous and swimming in them can soon become serious, or even fatal – even if you are a ‘strong swimmer’.

"Within minutes of a swimmer disappearing beneath the surface it is often too late for the emergency services to help – because of the location of most reservoirs, specialist equipment is needed we may need to wait for this to arrive."

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Reservoir swimming warning amid planned 'mass swim' at Swinsty

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