Yorkshire Water warns pupils of open water dangers

Yorkshire Water warns of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs

Yorkshire Water has issued a warning about the dangers of swimming in open water.

As part of The Royal Life Saving Society's Drowning Prevention Week, the water company has urged schools to sign up to its virtual education sessions aimed at students.

The goal of the sessions is to prevent accidental drownings, following deaths in the region.

They will run on 18 and 19 June and are particularly aimed at children aged 5 to 15.

Sessions will educate students on cold water shock, hidden undercurrents and unseen operational machinery, as well as what to do in an emergency situation.

Anne Reed, education manager at Yorkshire Water, said: "With temperatures on the rise and the summer holidays fast approaching, we understand how tempting open water can appear to young people wanting to cool off and have some fun.

"However, open water is extremely cold, even on warm days, and can cause cold water shock that may lead to hyperventilation, increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties and ultimately death."

She added there were unseen dangers under the water, such as objects or strong currents associated with machinery present in reservoirs.

"The aim of our live water safety lessons is to explain how students can help keep themselves and their friends safe, endorse messaging about where to find safe places to swim, and explain in detail why there are hidden dangers in open water areas, how to react and who to contact in an emergency situation," Ms Reed said.

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