Every year people are injured and die in reservoirs - stay safe, stay out.
Frozen reservoirs are very dangerous - the ice can easily crack and be fatal.
The water in the reservoir is cold enough to take your breath away, which can lead to panic and drowning. The coldness can make your arms and legs numb which means you can't control them and can't swim. It can lead to hypothermia - serious reduction in your body temperature - which can cause heart failure.
- Parents - please explain the dangers of playing on frozen reservoirs and lakes to your children.
- Adults - set a good example by staying off the ice yourselves.
- Dog owners - be careful around frozen water and don't throw sticks or balls onto ice. If your dog goes onto the ice and get into difficulty don't attempt to carry out a rescue. Our message is simple - stay safe, stay off the ice.
Why is it dangerous to swim?
The dangers of swimming in reservoirs or any open water include:
- It's always very cold. The temperatures in reservoirs rarely get above freezing, even in summer. That's cold enough to take your breath away, which is your body's natural reaction. You cant control it and it can lead to panic and drowning. Cold can also make your arms and legs numb which means you can't control them and can't swim. It can lead to hypothermia - serious reduction in your body temperature - which can cause heart failure.
- It can be deep. You can't tell how deep the water is and there are often sudden drops that you can't see.
- There may be hidden currents. These may be from our pipes which you can't see or hear but will affect your ability to swim.
- There may be hidden obstacles beneath the surface. This may be machinery from our treatment works or even broken glass or other rubbish that's been thrown in.
- The sides of reservoirs are very steep in places, making it difficult to climb out. There can be slippery silt or mud on the bottom too.
- There might be blue green algae in the water. It is not always visible to the naked eye but can produce toxins that cause skin rashes and stomach upsets. In case of contact wash immediately with clean water.
- Reservoirs are often in isolated places. No matter how quickly you call for help, it can take too long for help to reach you.
What can happen?
It doesn't matter how strong a swimmer you are, swimming in reservoirs is extremely dangerous. Within minutes of a swimmer disappearing beneath the surface it's often too late for the emergency services to help as they have to wait for specialist equipment to arrive.
This film highlights the danger of swimming in reservoirs and other open water and is shown with permission from Yorkshire Water, Hambleton Community Safety Partnership, the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Police, the Great North Air Ambulance, Best Media and the Three Tequilas Drama Group, who made the film.
It was filmed with the support of two families who lost loved ones and includes a dramatic reconstruction of what can happen when you ignore the warning signs.
Our radio advert also shows the consequences of what started out as an innocent day at a reservoir.
Where can I swim?
If you do want to swim please use your local swimming pool. Many will provide swimming lessons and all will have lifeguards on duty to ensure your safety when swimming.
How can I find out more about safety around water?
Why not download a poster or an activity sheet for children to complete, or download our water safety poster?
For water safety information for all ages visit ROSPA's website where you can view and download their information leaflets.
We want you to enjoy our land safely and responsibly. For more information on what you can do download our map for places to visit.
There's more safety and health information on our safety & health pages.