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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
World
Laycie Beck

Concern after group attempt to swim in River Trent in Nottingham

A warning has been issued after a group of people were spotted trying to go for a swim in the River Trent. Nottingham City Transport bus driver Matthew Wood explained he was concerned to see the individuals preparing to get into the water near Wilford Toll Bridge on his way home from work on Monday, March 27.

The 48 year old stated that he and another man went over to the three men to inform them of how "dangerous" the river can be. He said: "Me and another man went over and explained the dangerous situation and there's been a few fatalities and one quite recently.

"At this point one got in and was waist high and was planning to swim to the other side but after we spoke he got out . They were students and never knew how dangerous it was."

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The group said they weren't aware of the dangers. Matthew added: "I was very concerned about their safety if they had attempted to swim from one side to the other . I've not reported it but I saw a community police man round the corner and told him.

"He said its quite common and they patrol there regularly and stop them, and was going to look. I remember a few years ago someone died .

A group of people preparing to go in the River Trent (Matthew Wood)

"They see the calm surface but don't realise the under current and debris you can get caught on." Speaking on the safety issues surrounding the River Trent, a spokesperson for The Canal and River Trust said: "The River Trent is a great place to visit, particularly as the weather improves, but we wouldn’t recommend getting in for a swim.

"While the water might look inviting there can be hidden dangers below the surface, including currents, underwater obstructions and extremely cold temperatures that can cause problems for even the strongest swimmers. Our advice is to stick to the swimming pool or find an organised open water swimming group where there are appropriate safety measures in place."

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