As ministers ease restrictions on movement caused by the
coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the public is being warned
to keep safe around rivers and canals.
The Environment Agency, which manages many locks, weirs and
bridges along the River Thames through Wiltshire,
Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and
south-west London, wants people to remember the hazards
under the water.
Guidance online at
GOV.UK – search staying safe around water – shows
the message is clear: vigilance can save lives, and
water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to
stay safe.
Top tips for river safety:
- Don’t jump or dive in as the depth may vary and there
can be unseen hazards.
- Don’t go in near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices. These
and some other water features are often linked with strong
currents.
- Inland waters can be very cold, no matter how warm the
weather. Those going into cold water can get cramp and
experience breathing difficulties very quickly.
- Keep a look out for boat traffic. Boaters, especially
on larger vessels, can find it very hard to spot swimmers.
Parents and guardians can help keep children in their care
safe by:
- teaching them to swim
- warning them not to go into water alone, or
unsupervised
- ensuring they know where the children are and what they
are doing
- supervising them closely when near any open water
Drowning can occur very quickly, even in shallow water, and
the key to keeping safe is to take all necessary
precautions to avoid getting into difficulty in the first
place.
Experience shows it is often young people who get into
trouble whilst swimming in open water, which contains
hazards, particularly in and around locks, weirs and
bridges. Unexpectedly cold waters or strong currents can
also catch bathers off-guard.
Youngsters are often seen jumping off the many bridges
along the Thames. While this may seem like great fun, there
are hidden dangers in the water that can cause tragic
consequences.
Russell Robson, River Thames operations manager for the
Environment Agency, said:
Summer is always a busy time on our rivers, especially if
the weather is good.
The River Thames is a focal point for leisure time, but
I’d prefer people didn’t swim in any river, unless part
of an organised event.
One of the main risks is cold-water shock, causing you to
breathe in water, weakening your muscles, and cause
immediate heart problems. Unseen currents and reeds
beneath the surface could pull you under.
I’d urge parents and guardians to supervise younger
children closely in and around water. Teenagers and young
adults should be warned of the dangers and to remember
some basic safety points when out having fun.
Read and act upon our water safety advice on GOV.UK –
search stay safe around water.
Anyone out in any kind of boat should wear a life jacket.
