Enjoy the inland waterways this summer – but please don’t swim in them!

It seems like summer is finally here and British Waterways is reminding people not to swim in the West Midlands’ canals, rivers and reservoirs, and to enjoy the inland waterways in safety.  While waterways are great places to visit during the school holidays for walks, feeding the ducks, fishing and a whole host of other fun activities, children should always be supervised by an adult when close to water.

Canals, river navigations or reservoirs may look inviting on a hot, sunny day, but everyone should resist the temptation to go in “for a dip”.  The water is frequently far colder than expected, and can bring on cramps in even the strongest of swimmers, which can lead to death by drowning.

Most canals are also surprisingly shallow and anyone jumping or diving into them runs a high risk of serious injury.  While waterways are much cleaner than they were only a few years ago, some rubbish and other discarded objects can lurk beneath the surface of the water.  Infrastructure such as sluices and weir sluice machinery pose further dangers, as do the underwater currents created by passing boats and water movements around locks and weirs.

Swallowing water from inland navigations or simply absorbing it through cuts and grazes can give severe stomach illnesses to those who venture into the water on hot sunny days.  The presence of rats’ urine can also lead to the contraction of Weil’s Disease, which quickly leads to a flu like fever and if not quickly treated, occasionally death.

Tony Harvey, General Manager of British Waterways West Midlands says: 

“Hot weather may make rivers and canals seem an attractive place for a swim, but under no circumstances should people enter the water. Canals were built to be used by boat traffic, not by swimmers, and rivers are just as unsuitable for taking a dip due to their depth and underwater currents. Children visiting the waterways should always be supervised by adults and should follow the Stay Away From the Edge message.”

British Waterways cares for 2,200 miles of inland waterways, and is committed to enabling everyone to enjoy the inland waterways to the full - safely.  It provides information to the public, schools, and local communities on places to visit and on a wide range of events and activities on the inland waterways, which can be enjoyed safely by all members of the family.  For more information on places to enjoy by the inland waterways, visit www.waterscape.com, or call British Waterways Customer Service Centre on 01827 252000.  Children can visit www.wow4water.net to find out more about Britain’s inland waterways and how to be SAFE by learning to Stay Away From the Edge when near the water.  Adults can view and download safety resources from the same site.

Notes

                                                                                                                                                      British Waterways is the public corporation that cares for a 2,200-mile network of canals and navigable rivers across the country and works with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to improve the social, economic and environmental benefits of the inland waterways.  For more information visit www.britishwaterways.co.uk

WOW (Wild Over Waterways) is a national initiative to enthuse, involve and inspire children and young people about Britain’s inland waterways.  As well as encouraging safe and responsible use of their waterways by children and young people, WOW also hopes to influence them to feel responsible for the future of their waterway.  WOW is a partnership between The Inland Waterways Association, British Waterways and The Waterways Trust.  For more information including educational material for parents and teachers alike, visit www.wow4water.net

Waterscape.com provides information on ALL of Britain’s waterways, and guides visitors through the complete waterside experience in an easy to use, fully comprehensive online resource.  The site includes a full range of services including:

How to hire a canal boat or waterside holiday cottage.

Recommendations on walking, cycling, jogging and angling beside the water

Best waterside bars, pubs and restaurants.

Waterway guides with information on visitor attractions, local history and wildlife

News and events guides and listings.