Dozens were spotted ignoring warnings to not jump or swim into cold water yesterday (June 10) at Salford Quays. The warning came from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Salford City Council as the temperature rose this weekend.
Temperatures reached highs of 30C with many looking for ways to cool off. And while taking a dip in Salford Quays might be a tempting way to do this, there are many hidden dangers that come with it.
This is why GMFRS and the council issued their warnings after tragic incidents in the past at Salford Quays and elsewhere in Greater Manchester where people have lost their lives in cold water. While it may be hot outside, the water itself remains cold with jumping into it leading to the risk of cold water shock and drowning.
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Tragedy struck last summer after the body of 16-year-old student Kalen Waugh was pulled from the water after he died while swimming in the Quays, near to Media City. But just a day later, repeated warnings had to be issued again after huge crowds flocked back to the Quays with many seen swimming and even jumping off bridges into the water during another spell of hot weather.
As recently as May 12 two people were rescued from the water at Salford Quays and rushed to hospital with severe hypothermia as emergency services swarmed the area.
Vicky Waugh, mum of Kalen, recently warned others to not go swimming in the water.
"I just don’t understand how it happened. There was that many people in the water, I don’t understand how he’s got into danger without someone noticing and being able to get him," she told The Mirror earlier this month.
She added: "You’re not going to see danger with all those people in there, you’ll just think 'Look, everyone else having fun.' I’m hoping that when the inquest comes I get some answers, but I’m not feeling very positive. It had happened a year before too. It’s too regular and it’s not just there, it’s everywhere."
"It [Kalen's death] still hasn’t sunk in now, to be honest with you," Vicky added. "I just don’t want any other mums to have to go through it."
Despite the warnings issued yesterday, dozens of people were pictures jumping off the bridges along the Quays into the cold water.
A Salford City Council spokesperson said yesterday: "No matter how hot the weather, open water in Salford Quays, rivers, lakes and reservoirs is always cold. The risk of drowning through cold water shock is real. Please stay out of the water and stay safe."
A GMFRS spokesperson added: "It’s going to be a hot one today. Keep it a weekend we remember for all the right reasons.
"There are much better ways to cool off than going in water. It’s not worth dying for a dip. Have regular ice cream instead."
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