Water safety
We are regularly called out to save people who
get into difficulty while swimming in Kent's rivers and
lakes.
Direct video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i27iGYgYBqc
They are caught out because the water is not as
safe as it looks, and is full of dangers they can’t see.
- The water is often far deeper that people think.
- It's very cold, and can quickly cause cramp and breathing
difficulties.
- It may contain hidden rubbish and debris such as shopping
trolleys and broken glass which can cause injuries and
drowning.
- Sometimes it can it can be polluted and makes them very
ill.
During the school holidays, and in
particular in hot weather, increasing numbers of children are
drowning. On average, there are 50 of these tragedies each year in
the UK.
If you do decide to swim in a lake or river, make
sure you keep yourself as safe as possible...
- Don't jump or dive in, as the water can be far deeper than it
looks - with unseen hazards.
- Never swim near weirs or locks as there are often dangerous
currents.
- Always make sure someone on land
knows you are swimming.