Message from Welsh Water

Dear parent/guardian,

With warm weather forecast over the next few months, Welsh Water has sent a reminder about the dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs, urging people not to enter the water in uncontrolled areas. Each year, hundreds of people enter the reservoirs – but unauthorised swimming in uncontrolled areas can and has been fatal, so is never allowed.

Reservoirs can be full of hidden dangers, including automatic machinery in the water that can operate at any time, and incredibly strong currents, that can pull under even the strongest swimmers. That’s why it’s best to only swim at the permitted reservoir sites, at designated times and locations

The water also has freezing temperatures which can send swimmers into cold-water shock and there is a reduced chance of rescue in some areas due to the remote location of many reservoirs, often with little or no mobile reception.

If you are in difficulty in the water, ‘Float To Live’ – this means to relax and float on your back with your ears submerged in the water until the effects of cold water shock pass. You can then swim to safety or shout for help.

If you see someone else in difficulty in the water in a reservoir, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Fire Service, tell the person in the water to ‘Float To Live’ and throw them something that floats. Never go into the water to attempt a rescue yourself.

We would be grateful if you could share this important message with the children in your care.

Kind regards,

Welsh Water