New campaign to stop summer swim tragedies
From the The Bolton News, first published Friday 3rd Aug 2007.
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to urge people not to swim in reservoirs and quarries during the summer.
With temperatures starting to rise, Lancashire Police, mountain rescue teams and United Utilities want to get the message out about the real dangers of this sort of activity.
Reservoirs, including those at Rivington and Belmont, are popular with visitors in the summer, but they have seen a number of tragic deaths.
Sgt David Brown, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are not trying to spoil anyone's enjoyment of the summer months, but we want young people to be aware of the potential dangers of swimming and diving into reservoirs, lakes and canals.
"We also urge parents to be aware of where their children are intending to spend the day and encourage them to use one of the many swimming pools and facilities across the area."
The campaign is part of Operation Summer Nights, which has been running across the county through last month and continues in August.
It aims to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour, promote personal health and safety, and build on the positive behaviour of most young people.
It particularly focuses on the results of people drinking too much alcohol such as violence, criminal damage, road deaths, fires and accidents.
Hazel Gannaway, United Utilities' Rivington-based countryside ranger, said: "These reservoirs are designed to supply thousands of customers with drinking water. They are not designed to go swimming in.
"They are extremely dangerous and that is why we have signs around the banks telling people to stay away. Come to Rivington and enjoy the beautiful countryside, but stay out of the water."
Nicholas Wetton, aged 17, from Coppull, died at the Blue Lagoon reservoir, officially called Ward's Reservoir at Belmont, when he got into difficulties in deep water after swimming with friends on a hot August day in 2004.
His death came four years after David McHugh, aged 33, from Salford, drowned while trying to save his seven-year-old son Daniel after their dinghy sank. Passers-by dived into the water and managed to save Daniel.
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