St Helens Borough residents reminded about dangers of open water swimming

With this week marking Drowning Prevention Week and with temperatures expected to reach 27° C and above in the coming days, St Helens Borough Council is reminding residents that open bodies of water like reservoirs, dams, ponds and canals are not safe for swimming due to significant health and safety risks.

"Swimming in unmonitored open water may seem tempting during warmer months, but it comes with real dangers," said Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health. "These waters are not designed for swimming and can be contaminated with bacteria that pose a risk to health.

"Canals and rivers contain pollutant and often unseen water obstructions and snag hazards.

"Even the narrowest of rivers can be considerably deep. Rivers are subject to strong flow and hidden currents which can trouble even the strongest of swimmers.

"To reduce the risk of infection for those who may come into contact with the water - including local anglers - we recommend following the hygiene guidelines below."

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling water or equipment, especially before eating. Use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
• Do not place fishing lines or tackle in your mouth if they've been in the water.
• Cover cuts or scrapes with waterproof plasters and avoid contact with water when possible.
• Wear protective waterproof clothing when in contact with contaminated water.
• Rinse equipment thoroughly after each use.
• Shower or wash immediately if you have been in or splashed by potentially infected water.

If you see someone in danger in the water:

In an emergency, NEVER enter the water to try and help a person or animal - you could get into difficulty yourself.

Instead, remember to CALL, TELL, THROW:

• CALL - dial 999 
• TELL - Tell the person in difficulty to float on their back
• THROW - Look for something that floats or that they could hold onto and throw it to them.

If you fall into the water unexpectedly or find yourself in difficulty, remember 'Float to live'

• Fight your instinct to thrash around - lean back and extend your arms and legs
• Float until you can control your breathing
• Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives