Yorkshire Water issues warning to parents as children break up for summer holidays

Yorkshire Water is urging families, children and young people to stay safe around water as schools break up for the summer holidays and warmer weather continues across the region.

With thousands of children and young people set to spend more time outdoors over the summer holidays, Yorkshire Water is urging everyone to think carefully before entering open water, particularly reservoirs, lakes, quarries, rivers, and canals.

While reservoirs can appear calm and inviting on a hot day, they are extremely dangerous places to swim.

The water remains cold throughout the year and can cause cold water shock, making it difficult to breathe or swim.

Hidden underwater hazards, steep banks, and deep water can also make it impossible to get out safely.

Warmer weather often sees more people spending time outdoors and around water, but Yorkshire Water is reminding people that reservoirs are operational sites, not places for recreation.

Choosing a lifeguarded beach or designated open water venue is the safest way to cool off during the summer.

Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at RLSS UK, said: "RLSS UK wants everyone to take advantage of the sunny weather and enjoy being in, on and around water; however, it’s vital to have water safety conversations and practice self-rescue skills like floating before heading to your local beach or lake.

"Making sure you’re ready with water safety knowledge and lifesaving skills is just as important as remembering to pack suncream.”

Yorkshire Water is asking parents, carers and young people to have conversations about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs and to choose safe, supervised places to enjoy the weather instead.

Anne Reed, education and social value manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “The summer holidays are a time for making memories with family and friends and we want everyone to enjoy them safely, which means staying out of reservoirs and other dangerous open water.

“Reservoirs may look calm, but they can be extremely dangerous. The water stays cold even during hot weather, and hidden hazards below the surface can quickly turn a fun day into a tragedy.”

Yorkshire Water is also encouraging anyone planning to spend time around open water this summer to familiarise themselves with the Water Safety Code and understand what to do in an emergency.

If you see someone in difficulty in the water:

• Call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service inland, or the Coastguard if at the coast
• Never enter the water to attempt a rescue yourself
• Encourage the person to float on their back if they are able
• Throw something that floats if it is safe to do so