A Warrington fire chief has issued a warning to those who swim in the Manchester Ship Canal.
The warning comes from Warrington Fire station Crew Manager Jonathan Hill after firefighters have received a number of calls directly from concerned residents and passers-by who have seen people entering the water.
With people becoming more tempted to cool down following the warmer weather firefighters want the public to know how dangerous it is to swim in open water.
Those tempted to swim in open water show follow this advice:
· Only swim in designated swimming areas
· Never go swimming alone
· If you’re going for a walk or run near water stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge
· If you’ve had alcohol don’t enter the water, avoid walking alone and avoid routes near water
· Never enter the water to try and help a person or animal – always call 999 and use any water rescue equipment if it is available
· If you are spending time near water – whether at home or abroad make sure you are familiar with local safety information and children are fully supervised
· Know your limits – the cold can kill
Throughout the summer firefighters will be continuing to educate children and the public about the dangers of water by visiting leisure centres and schools.
Crew Manager Jonathan Hill, of Warrington Fire Station, said: “Already this summer residents and passers-by have contacted us to raise concerns after seeing people swimming in the Manchester Ship Canal.
“Thankfully no one has come into serious difficulty but I want to warn people of how dangerous it is to swim in open water and that they must not enter the Manchester Ship Canal.
“We know people will be increasingly tempted with the warmer weather but this the canal is not a place for people to swim. Entering these waters really can be the difference between life and death.
“I want to encourage parents to warn their children of the dangers of entering the Manchester Ship Canal, to only swim in designated swimming areas and to follow simple water safety advice.”
Anyone who sees somebody getting into difficulty in the water is urged to call Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on 999.
