I wouldn’t go near open water now - Saint Aidan's High School kids hammer home cold-water shock message

A series of hard-hitting videos warning of the dangers of jumping into reservoirs, lakes and rivers are being shared as the weather hots up for the fifth time this summer.

Pupils at Saint Aiden’s School in Preesall were drafted in to help produce the content with the emergency services and United Utilities NW.

The warning comes as many young people may be heading out to celebrate A-levels results.

Jo Harrison, Asset Management Director at United Utilities explained: “Sadly, every year when we get a spell of warm weather, there are drownings in waterways across the country. It is heartbreaking to see this loss of life, particularly when many of the victims are so young.

“Our reservoirs may look like a tempting place to take a dip, but they have hidden dangers, such as cold temperatures, hidden operational equipment, and steep sides which can make it difficult to get out. They are also often in remote locations which makes rescue difficult when people get into trouble. Our message to young people is clear: please don’t take the risk.”

Pupils at the school are filmed talking about the dangers, showing their response to shocking statistics and asking the question - ‘is a dip worth it?

Discussing a possible dangerous scenario, one pupil said: “Your friends might not react quickly enough and may not realise you are actually in danger.

And in another clip, the pupils what happens, the under-currents and the cold shock that can kill.

National Water Safety Figures reported 202 accidental water-fatalities last year in the UK.

Steve Turner, Watch Manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service knows how tempting it can be to jump into a river.

He said: “I took horrendous risks as a child, knowing what I now know, I wouldn’t go near, I’ve seen the impact. It could be warm outside, the body of water could be 10C, or colder and that’s when cold water shock kicks in, then it is a race against time.”

Grant Baxter, a Group Manager at North West Ambulance Service added: “When people get into difficulty, the clock is ticking, the locations of the reservoirs and rivers mean it can take time for help to arrive and unfortunately it can be too late.”

Figures from the National Water Safety Forum revealed that most drownings in the UK occur in inland waterways, rather than on the coast

Lancashire Police Sergeant, Elliot Jones, said: “Sadly, we continue to see fatalities and injuries. While warm weather can make a ‘quick dip’ tempting, the message is simple: it isn’t worth it. Think carefully before entering open water, don’t feel pressured to follow others, and parents should ensure their children fully understand the dangers.”

People getting into difficulty are reminded to follow the ‘Float to Live’ advice shared by the RNLI - Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI. If you spot anyone in trouble, call 999 and if possible, throw a life ring, or buoyancy aid to help them.