Reservoir swimming warning on anniversary of Welsh teen's death
Reuben Morgan was just fifteen years old when he visited Pontsticill reservoir - Welsh Water warn more people are trying to swim in reservoirs since lockdown
Last updated 17th Jun 2021
On the fifteenth anniversary of the devastating death of teenager Reuben Morgan, his mother Maxine has joined Welsh Water to remind the public of the potentially fatal dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs this summer.
The warning comes after news of another fatality which saw the body of a 27-year-old man recovered from Ponden reservoir in Bradford yesterday.
Reuben Morgan was just fifteen years old when he visited Pontsticill reservoir with friends. Five of the group decided to swim across the reservoir to cool down. While Reuben’s friends made it across, after disappearing under the water three times, Reuben did not resurface.
Cold water shock
Reuben’s mother, Maxine said:
“Reuben has been gone now for as long as he was alive. At the time, I never thought Reuben would enter the water. He died because of cold water shock from the freezing temperatures and if he’d have known more about the dangers his death could have been prevented.
"Losing Reuben has had a massive impact on so many of us; his friends, family, and teachers. We as a family are heartbroken and we continue to miss him every day.
“Educating younger people and spreading the word about the very real dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs is absolutely essential.”
Reuben Morgan reservoir death memorial
Lockdown fears
Each year, large numbers of people, try swimming in reservoirs across Wales in unauthorised conditions, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.
This is despite the fact that statistics from Water Safety Wales estimate that 45 people in Wales lose their lives to drowning each year in coastal and inland waters.
Welsh Water has heightened concerns this year with more members of the public flocking to beauty spots to enjoy the warmer weather and new freedoms as lockdown restrictions ease and more people stay local this year.
Since May, rangers patrolling Welsh Water reservoirs have had to approach 37 different people who had attempted to enter the water to swim or use personal canoes or paddleboards on the water. Despite the dangers, these numbers are expected to rise throughout the summer.
Hidden dangers
Hidden structures made of concrete or metal beneath the surface of the water which can often operate without warning.
Freezing currents that can cause even strong swimmers to find themselves in cold water shock and unable to swim.
Reduced chance of rescue due to the remote location of many reservoirs, with little or no mobile reception.
Welsh Water’s annual reservoir safety campaign which also starts today raises awareness of these dangers and serves to highlight the enormous impact unauthorised swimming could have on friends, family, communities, and emergency services.