The warning comes after at least 15 people, mainly children and teenagers, drowned in open water during late May’s hot spell, nationally, despite warnings about the potential dangers of cooling off in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and canals.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is encouraging schools to reinforce the water safety message to pupils following numerous drownings during this year’s heatwaves.
Among the schools doing just that is Bolton St Catherine’s Academy which is working with partner agencies to get the message out to young people.
Bolton St Catherine’s Academy shared the warning after being alerted by partner agencies to a number of locations where children have been entering the water.
Assistant headteacher Chris Hill said parents should speak to their children about the risks before heading out in the sunshine.
Mr Hill said: “It is important for all children to keep out of water they do not know.
“They do not know what is out there, the first foot of water can be warmer, but below can be a lot colder. Working reservoirs can be a danger.
“People can drown when they jump in, and their heart can stop beating, and their legs can go into cramps.
“We’ve have recently had the Ironman in Bolton where the competitors in the water still had to wear wetsuits because the water is still cold.
“As tempting as it looks, we do not want to lose anybody.”
Several locations are described as areas of concerns.
They are include Thorns Close in Astley Bridge, where there is a fast-flowing brook, the a water site Stones Bank Road in Egerton, where scores of young people are said to have gathered, Doffcocker and Moses Gate, and Jumbles.
The school said warm weather can make open water appear safe, but warned it can pose serious risks.
It highlighted dangers including strong currents, cold water shock, hidden hazards beneath the surface and the absence of lifeguards.
The academy urged young people to make safe choices, stay out of open water and look out for their friends.
Their source for the post comes from information sent by Greater Manchester Police.
It also reminded people to call 999 in an emergency.
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