Police patrols in Ironbridge and Telford over water safety concerns
Police have been patrolling alongside the River Severn in Ironbridge and a Telford pool after concerns around water safety and anti-social behaviour.
It comes after at least 13 people died in open water in the UK during the recent heatwave, with water safety organisations concerned that the toll may climb after schools broke up for the summer holidays.
Telford Police said they had patrols out in Ironbridge and at the Blue Pool in Randlay Avenue, Randlay, to hand out advice about open water swimming and safety concerns.
They were also monitoring reports of anti-social-behaviour in the area such as littering.
Officers spoke to a number of groups after concerns were raised recently.
Among tragedies around the country during the heatwave, a 13-year-old boy died after getting into difficulties in the River Tyne near Ovingham, Northumberland, a 14-year-old boy drowned in west London and a 16-year-old boy died in Bray Lake, near Maidenhead, Berkshire.
The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK, encourages people to swim at supervised sites, and if that is not possible, to enter the water gradually to avoid cold water shock.
Matt Croxall, senior head of membership and field operations at the RLSS said: “We’d encourage people to enter the water gradually. That difference between the air temperature and diving into very cold water can cause people a real problem and can cause that cold water shock response."
The organisation also warned of “hidden hazards” under the water at inland sites such as on riverbeds, which pose risks to swimmers.
