Water Safety
As temperatures rise in the British summertime, you or your family may be tempted to cool off with a swim in a local river or lake or in the sea. Make sure you know the DANGERS of swimming in open water
When you are out and about around Greater Manchester's waterways you can stay safe by:
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Never jumping into or swimming in open water (including reservoirs, rivers, canals and ponds). Cold Water Shock can kill in 60 seconds, you never know what's lurking beneath the surface, and under-water currents can be deadly.
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Letting someone know where you are going and when you are coming back, if possible
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Taking any warning or safety signs seriously
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Looking out for hazards around water and sticking to proper pathways
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Never entering the water to rescue your dog - who will rescue you?
Equally, in freezing temperatures, going onto frozen ponds, reservoirs, lakes and canals is dangerous and can have fatal results.
It might be tempting to walk or play on the frozen water but the ice is not always as thick as it may appear and can easily break. The temperature of the water is cold enough to take your breath away and lead to drowning.
If a dog or other animal ventures onto the ice, or falls through it, do not go onto the ice to rescue it – you are likely to end up in the freezing water and unable to help the animal. Never throw sticks or balls onto the ice for your dog – keep them on a lead near frozen water
