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22/07/2013
Police Warnings Over Open Water Swimming
Northern Ireland's police and water authorities have warned people of the dangers of swimming in open water.
The warning comes after two more people drowned over the weekend.
On Saturday, 34-year-old James Kincaid from Newtownstewart died after he drowned in the River Strule, while a 24-year-old man died after he got into difficulties in the sea in Co Donegal. Last Thursday (18 July), 15-year-old Steven Mitchell died after he fell into the River Roe and got into difficulties.
A PSNI spokesperson warned that "wild swimming" could be a hazardous activity and NI Water added that children and young people should stay away from reservoirs. It added that there was evidence of break-ins at some of their sites in the province.
Maynard Cousley, Acting Head of Water at NI Water, said: ''Understandably, a reservoir can look like the perfect place to cool down and have some fun with friends. Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous, which is why people need to learn to spot and keep away from dangers.
"You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water.
''We would appeal to parents to explain their children the dangers of playing in or around these areas. I am also urging the local community to be vigilant as NI Water is experiencing a growing problem of people vandalising sites or damaging fencing to gain access.''
(JP/CD)
The warning comes after two more people drowned over the weekend.
On Saturday, 34-year-old James Kincaid from Newtownstewart died after he drowned in the River Strule, while a 24-year-old man died after he got into difficulties in the sea in Co Donegal. Last Thursday (18 July), 15-year-old Steven Mitchell died after he fell into the River Roe and got into difficulties.
A PSNI spokesperson warned that "wild swimming" could be a hazardous activity and NI Water added that children and young people should stay away from reservoirs. It added that there was evidence of break-ins at some of their sites in the province.
Maynard Cousley, Acting Head of Water at NI Water, said: ''Understandably, a reservoir can look like the perfect place to cool down and have some fun with friends. Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous, which is why people need to learn to spot and keep away from dangers.
"You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water.
''We would appeal to parents to explain their children the dangers of playing in or around these areas. I am also urging the local community to be vigilant as NI Water is experiencing a growing problem of people vandalising sites or damaging fencing to gain access.''
(JP/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
