RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

July 30, 2004
DROWNING FEARS AS WEEKEND HEATWAVE PREDICTED

As weather forecasters predict a heat-wave over the weekend and the following days, RoSPA is urging children on school holidays not to swim in inland open waters such as rivers, lakes, streams, canals or quarry pool.

Hot weather sadly often brings drowning tragedies as children go to local water sites to play and cool off. They do not realise the dangers attached to these places and believe it is safe to swim there. Over the past two months there have already been at least five youngsters who have drowned.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA Head of Water and Leisure, said: “The combination of hot weather, children, and local water sites can often spell drownings. With the predicted hot weather we have to get the message through to children that the only safe place to swim in this country is at a properly supervised swimming pool or a properly supervised beach.

“It is vital that parents explain the dangers of water to their children. It is not enough to say don't do this or don't do that; your child needs to know why water can be dangerous.

“Children do not understand that even in the hottest weather, water in this country remains extremely cold and saps people’s strength. They often over-estimate their swimming capabilities and are unaware of other hazards like hidden currents, rubbish and reeds.”

As well as children, those most at risk are men from their mid-teens to their mid-30s. Male bravado and alcohol often play a part, as adults who have been drinking throughout the day sometimes decided to go for a swim in a nearby river, lake or reservoir as a way of cooling down.

“We want people to enjoy the hot weather, particularly as it has been very scarce this summer, and if the advice given is taken on board people will be able to enjoy their summer safely,” Peter Cornall said.