Water safety warning as temperatures soar in Shropshire and Mid Wales
Canal bosses today urged young people across the region not to enter water to cool down as the hottest temperatures of the year arrive in the UK.
The Canal & River Trust is advising families of alternative ways to cool down when the heatwave hits, instead of taking a dip.
As temperatures across Shropshire and Mid Wales rise again, the organisation has reiterated its warnings about the dangers lurking in canals and rivers in our region.
It says of the 400 people who drown in the UK every year more than half the fatalities happen at inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.
The trust’s national health & safety advisor Debbie Lumb said: “Spending time on or by your local canal or river is a lovely way to spend a summer’s day, especially in a county like Shropshire.
“But it’s also important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip.
“The consequences can be devastating.
“Inland waterways, like canals, rivers and reservoirs, 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, stay in the shade, go for a swim in your local pool. Please don’t get in the water, it’s just not worth it.”
The warning comes after police in Shropshire said the parents of children found playing in the River Severn will be sent letters explaining the risks.
In recent months, the number of youths playing in the river in Shrewsbury - particular in the weir - has risen and West Mercia Search and Rescue has been visiting schools in the area to teach children how to be safe around water.
Record temperatures
After a weekend of sunshine, temperatures were expected to hit around 26C (79F) in Shropshire and Mid Wales today and reach 29C (84F) in London.
Tomorrow could be even hotter and the warm temperatures and blue skies will stay over the region for the rest of the week.
Very high levels of pollen and UV mean that hay fever sufferers are in for a difficult time and everyone should try to be careful they avoid burning in the sun.
Met Office forecaster Mark Foster said it is possible “the hottest day for the year for all four countries could be bettered this week.”
He added: “There is a fairly good chance we will see the hottest day so far. There is a chance it could possibly be tomorrow.”
The highest temperature recorded in the UK so far this year is 29.1C (84.4F) at St James Park, central London, on April 19.
People in Hawarden, Clwyd, enjoyed 26.8C (80.2F), the top temperature in Wales this year, on May 27.
The heat the UK is having is homegrown as high pressure, according to the Met Office.
Long days, very still conditions and clear skies help June temperatures to get very intense. The sun in June is relatively the highest it gets in the sky and heat can build up over successive days.
