Charity says people risked their lives as they jumped into a packed Harborough district reservoir - some after drinking alcohol

A charity is warning that men and women were risking their lives by jumping into a packed Harborough district reservoir on red-hot Wednesday - some after drinking alcohol.

Over 200 adults and children poured into Saddington Reservoir, near Fleckney, on the hottest day of the year so far.

Families and friends flocked to the packed-out, sun-soaked beauty spot in an attempt to cool down as temperatures rocketed towards a scorching 30C (86F).

But the Canal & River Trust, which manages the attraction, is now warning people not to swim in canals, rivers, reservoirs and other open waters – especially after drinking booze.

“With the nation basking in soaring temperatures, and with swimming pools still closed due to coronavirus, the charity is warning that people taking a dip in their nearest waterway are risking their lives,” said the Trust.

“More than 200 people gathered at Saddington Reservoir, near Market Harborough, on Wednesday June 24 with many jumping in for a swim, some after drinking alcohol.

“The warm summer months are the most popular times for people to visit Britain’s canals and rivers.

“However, if anyone is thinking of going into the water, please don’t.

“People can get into difficulties after jumping into the water to cool down.

“Canal and river water will be very cold, even in the summer.

“That can take your breath away and paralyse your muscles, making it difficult to swim - and it will often hide dangerous obstacles or currents.”

The charity is encouraging people wanting to cool down to:

- Lounge in the shade of waterside trees rather than getting tangled in waterway reeds

- Keep your cool – chill out on the bank and enjoy the peacefulness of being beside water

- Wait for your local swimming pool to open if you want to jump and dive. Don’t get in to locks or canals which can be shallow and have obstructions below the waterline.

Phil Mulligan, regional director for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Spending time by the water is a lovely way to spend a summer’s day and our canals, rivers and reservoirs are excellent places for families to visit and cool down.

“We get their appeal and we don’t want to appear as party poopers.

“But it’s really important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of going into the water.”

He added: “It’s particularly alarming that people are drinking before taking a dip as research shows that nearly a quarter of all adult drowning victims have alcohol in their bloodstream.

“We want to remind people that taking a dip may be tempting but the consequences can be devastating.

“Inland waterways can look really inviting but you can’t tell what is below the surface.

“The water is often murky - and you won’t be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water.

“We’re asking people to find another way to cool off this summer.

“Have an ice cream, cool drink or stay in the shade.

“But please don’t get in the water, it’s just not worth it.”

The Canal & River Trust ‘Explorers’ water safety programme, which focuses on children in Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum, aims to help youngsters and teenagers learn about and enjoy their local canal or river safely.

Dozens of volunteers nationwide normally help the Trust each year by visiting schools and speaking to youth groups about water safety and their local canal or river. In four years they have reached more than 125,000 children with water safety messages – although this summer’s sessions have been hit by the Covid-19 lockdown.

To help with water safety education at home the Explorers team has compiled a range of free activities, resources and games.

You can find them at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/learning-from-home/water-safety.

To find out more about staying safe near canals and rivers, go to: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/summer-water-safety