With the warmer weather the borough is enjoying and all public swimming pools currently closed due to government restrictions, St Helens Council and community safety partners are highlighting the dangers of open water swimming.
With several open water locations in the borough and reports of swimming at these sites, the Safer St Helens Partnership including St Helens Council, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service have joined together to advise residents of the dangers of open water swimming.
Open water swimming can be dangerous and have serious consequences. Strong undercurrents can cause even experienced swimmers to struggle and cold water below the surface could cause cramps, cold water shock and hypothermia. There is also the risk of illness and infection in open water.
Councillor Jeanie Bell, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chair of the Safer St Helens Partnership said:
“As the weather improves over the summer months and with our swimming pools closed due to government restrictions, it is important that residents understand the dangers of open water swimming.
“While our open water areas in the borough look inviting on a hot day, please consider the risks, stay safe and do not use them for swimming. The safest place to swim is in a supervised swimming pool and I would ask residents to wait until our facilities open again and seek other forms of exercise during this time.”
