Stay safe by the water

25 June 2010

The nation’s canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks are enduringly popular, with around 300 million visits made to British Waterways’ 2,200 mile network each year. With the weather heating up and many people planning to holiday in the UK, British Waterways is urging visitors to enjoy the waterways safely.

Britain’s canals and rivers have something to offer everyone, from walkers and cyclists to boaters and anglers, families on days out and those wanting to enjoy the sunshine in a peaceful setting. Although the water may look tempting, any open body of water can pose a hazard, particularly to unsupervised children or anyone under the influence of alcohol. British Waterways is reminding visitors to the waterways this summer to stay SAFE by remembering to Stay Away From the Edge when near the water.

Canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks may look inviting on a hot, sunny day, but people should resist the temptation to take a dip. Many of our waters are relatively shallow and anyone jumping or diving into them runs a risk of serious injury from hidden objects under the water.

The water is frequently colder than expected and can bring on cramps to even the strongest swimmers, while currents created by passing boats and water movements around locks and weirs pose further dangers. Contact with canal or river water can also bring about stomach illnesses or Weil’s disease.

Peter Wade, British Waterways’ safety advisor, said: “Everyone loves to come down to the canal in the summer and it makes a fantastic free day out for all the family. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the waterways safely, from picnics and wildlife walks to joining canoeing clubs and just watching the boats go by. If anyone wants to go swimming we would suggest they choose somewhere suitable, such as a swimming pool or lido. British Waterways urges adults to make sure young children are supervised close to water, and we encourage people to stay away from the edge.”

ENDS

For more information on water safety, or on places to enjoy by the inland waterways, visit www.waterscape.com or call British Waterways Customer Service Centre on 01923 201120. Children can visit www.wow4water.net to find out more about Britain’s inland waterways and adults can view and download safety resources from the same site.

For further media information call 020 7985 7263.