Signs advising swimmers of hidden dangers and how to follow safety advice when using local rivers and canals have gone up at popular open water swimming hotspots in Saltford and Bath.
The 11 new signs installed by Bath & North East Somerset Council encourage people to be aware of risks posed by strong currents, hidden underwater objects that could cause serious injury and parasites in the water. They also include a site-specific what3words QR code to assist the emergency services in the event of an incident.
The signs have been placed at Saltford Weir, Dundas Aqueduct, The Old Mill Hotel, Bathampton Mill, Bathhampton Toll Bridge and Grosvenor Bridge and are supported by the council’s River Safety Group including the Canal & River Trust and Avon Fire & Rescue service.
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The council is also supporting World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 on July 25, a campaign by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness of how organisations and countries can reduce the risks of drowning.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Open water swimming is popular but poses many dangers which are not all visible. In summer it’s appealing to take a dip, but sadly it can quickly become very dangerous or cause you to become unwell with symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. Even on a warm day, the human body can go into shock when jumping into an open body of cold water and there could also be hidden objects beneath.
“Please consider taking steps to protect yourself such as not swimming alone, letting friends and family know where you are and avoiding consuming alcohol whilst swimming. We hope the signs we have installed will remind people how to keep themselves safe and who they can call for help if the worst happens.”
Steve Quinton, Avon Fire & Rescue Service Area Manager, said: “Knowing how to keep yourself and others safe in and around water is vital, but so is knowing what to do in an emergency. If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to live by lying on your back and stretching out your arms and legs. If someone else is in trouble, never enter the water after them, instead, call 999 and use something like a river rescue cabinet to offer assistance from the side.”
Follow these top tips if going into the water:
- Don’t swim on your own
- Avoid bathing on higher risk days such as after heavy rainfall or during strong currents
- Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming
- Beware of underwater obstacles such as rocks and weeds
- Stay calm, float and call for help if you get into trouble
- Use sun cream even if it’s a cloudy day
- Check the water quality information on the gov.uk webpage
- Cover cuts with a waterproof plaster and consider a wetsuit
- Avoid swallowing or splashing water into your mouth
- Wash your hands with soap after swimming
If you suffer with diarrhoea or vomiting, stay off school or work and do not swim again until you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. If you also have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better. If you become unwell after swimming and are concerned about your symptoms, call 111 or visit www.nhs.uk to seek medical help.
The National Water Safety Forum’s annual report shows that in 2023 there were 236 deaths in the UK from accidental water fatalities, and 63% of these happened at inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.
Read the advice from Avon Fire & Rescue about water safety
The UK Royal Life Saving Society also publishes open water safety tips.
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