Campaign raises awareness of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs and quarries

People are being warned about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs with a safety campaign called Beautiful but Deadly, launched by United Utilities.

A lot of people still remain unaware of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs and quarries and teen peer pressure can play a big part in encouraging young people to take risks.

There are 180 reservoirs & quarries across the North West, many in beautiful locations.

Reservoirs may look inviting, especially on a hot day, but they are about the worst possible places to take a swim.

It can also be dangerous to swim in quarry lakes and other bodies of outside water.

In June 16-year-old Paul Lawson, drowned while swimming at Greenbooth Reservoir in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Last year, Jack Pullen, 16, was pulled from the River Etherow, in Broadbottom, near Hyde, and Rafael Pizarro, 13, drowned in the Rochdale to Manchester canal in Middleton.

United Utilities advises that the freezing cold water can numb your limbs, while hidden currents and machinery can drag you under and even the strongest swimmers can quickly get into difficulty.

Councillor Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Operations, said:

Every year too many young lives are cut tragically short through drowning. This is a really important message to get out there and I urge families and everyone who works with young people in particular, to talk to them about the ‘Beautiful but Deadly’ campaign.

Councillor Granville Morris, said:

On hot days like the ones we’ve had recently it can be tempting to cool off by taking a dip but the dangers of swimming in places like reservoirs or quarries and other bodies of water are too great even for confident swimmers. The water temperatures can shock the body causing cramps and breathing difficulties. Also there may be machinery, underwater currents or hidden debris you can’t see from the surface. I would urge families and those who work with young people to discourage them from taking these dangerous risks because no family wants to receive the news we all dread.