Warnings have been issued over the dangers of swimming and jumping into cold water as hot weather hits the region this weekend.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has bluntly warned today that "it's not worth dying for a dip" as temperatures are expected to reach highs of nearly 30oC. They have warned against swimming in the regions rivers, lakes, and reservoirs as their cold temperatures could cause cold water shock and drowning.
This warning has been echoed by Salford City Council who have discouraged people from swimming in the open water in Salford Quays as the water remains cold. People have been seen swimming in the Quays in recent days as temperatures rose.
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Tragedy struck last summer, in July, 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.
A Salford City Council spokesperson said: "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 said: "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."
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) issued an alert earlier this week has also issued a warning about the dangers of cold water during a heatwave. It says there is a link between warmer weather and accidental drownings, and looks to educate people on water safety during this time.
Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: "Devastatingly over the recent weeks we have seen a number of people, including many children, lose their lives when in or near the water. There is evidence that there is a link between warmer weather and increased number of accidental drownings, and we want to ensure that everyone is equipped with the vital knowledge to allow them to safely enjoy being in or around the water.
"Each year we see a spike in accidental drownings occur in June, July and August when we typically see the warmer weather hit the UK. In 2022 46 per cent of the 226 accidental drownings took place within those three summer months; we understand the reason people head to the various waterways in the UK when we experience warmer weather, however, we want to ensure people would know what to do if they found themselves in difficulty or if they saw someone else in difficulty in the water.
"RLSS UK encourages families to speak with their children about water safety and to learn the Water Safety Code: Stop and think: look out for any dangers and read any signs and advice; Stay together: swim at a lifeguarded venue and always go with friends or family; in an emergency Call 999: ask for the Fire and Rescue Service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast and never enter the water to rescue anyone or anything; Float: if you fall in, stay calm and float on your back, or if you spot someone in trouble tell them to float and try to throw them something that floats.
"We want to avoid any further tragedies and any more families going through the heartache of losing a loved one. With the right education, accidental drownings are avoidable. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend."
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