Welsh Water urges public to stay out of reservoirs during the half-term heatwave
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is urging people to stay out of reservoirs during the half-term holidays as hot weather sees more visitors heading to beauty spots across Wales.
Due to the recent warm spell, Welsh Water is reminding the public that reservoirs can be extremely dangerous, despite appearing calm and safe.
Reservoirs can contain hidden hazards including very cold water, deep and steep-sided banks, strong currents, underwater machinery and sudden drops. Even strong swimmers can quickly get into difficulty, and the remote location of many reservoirs can make rescue more challenging.
Welsh Water is warning that unauthorised swimming, paddling and the use of inflatables in reservoirs can put lives at risk — both for those entering the water and anyone attempting a rescue.
Reservoirs are operational sites and are not designed for recreational swimming. Organised open water swimming is only permitted at approved Welsh Water visitor attraction sites, where activities are carefully managed and supervised by qualified lifeguards.
Welsh Water’s Rangers regularly patrol reservoir sites to help keep visitors safe and discourage people from entering the water, with additional patrols taking place over the school half-term period.
Owain Manuel, Head Ranger at Welsh Water’s Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs Visitor Centre said:
“We know many people will be looking to enjoy the outdoors during the half-term holidays, especially with the warmer weather forecast.
“While reservoirs can look inviting in hot weather, they are extremely dangerous places to swim. Cold water shock, hidden hazards and the difficulty of rescue can turn a day out into an emergency in seconds.
“We’re asking everyone to stay out of the water, follow safety signage and help us keep visitors safe this summer.”
Welsh Water is part of Water Safety Wales, a group of organisations committed to improving water safety and preventing drowning incidents across Wales.
Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales, said:
“Water Safety Wales believes one drowning is too many and we fully support all the efforts to reduce incidents at open water locations.
“If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, ignore the instinct to swim or thrash about and remember – Float to Live. Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.
“If you see someone else in difficulty in the water in a reservoir, Phone Float Throw. Phone 999 to get help. Tell them to stay calm and float on their back. Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive. Never go into the water to attempt a rescue yourself.”
Visit dwrcymru.com/reservoirsafety for more information.