#GetWaterWise: Extra care needed when swimming in East Anglia
The Environment Agency is reminding people to take care around their structures.
Last updated 2nd Jul 2021
With the summer holidays approaching, the Environment Agency is reminding people to take care while swimming near their structures in East Anglia.
We've been raising awareness of the different types of danger facing people choosing to swim in open water as part of our #GetWaterWise campaign.
The Environment Agency owns and maintains assets, such locks and sluices, in many locations across East Anglia’s river network and on the coast.
They say swimming too close to them can be dangerous and could lead to serious injury or even death. It is also an offence.
Paul Separovic, Waterways team leader at the Environment Agency, said: "We work to advise on the safety risks connected with our river structures in partnership with local councils and landowners.
“Throughout the summer period, we see people put themselves at risk by ignoring advice and swimming in dangerous places, which can have serious, even tragic, consequences."
The structures carry warning signs that outline the impact of strong currents, underwater structures and sudden changes in depths, which can all pose a serious risk to even the most experienced swimmers.
David White is an Asset Performance Suffolk Team Leader for The Environment agency: “Please don’t ignore what they’re telling you…they’re there to protect you.
People can quickly get into difficulty in the water, and we just want people to stay safe.”
Those who ignore the warnings are not only potentially putting their lives at risk but also committing an offence that could lead to a day in court and up to a £1000 fine.
Jumping or diving off the assets - which includes weirs, sluices, locks, and pumping stations - is strictly prohibited and could cause serious injury.
Tips from the Environment Agency for staying safe around rivers:
- Don't jump or dive in as the depth may vary and there can be unseen hazards.
- Don't go in near weirs, locks, pipes, and sluices. These and some other water features are often linked with strong currents.
- Inland waters can be very cold, no matter how warm the weather.
- Those going into cold water can get cramp and experience breathing difficulties very quickly.
- Keep an eye out for boat traffic. Boaters, especially on larger vessels, can find it very hard to spot swimmers and propellers cause severe life changing and life-threatening injuries every year.
Top tips to stay safe in water this summer
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.