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Warning goes out to reservoir swimmers
Calm water can be more dangerous than a fast-flowing river, say chiefs
By Richard Edwards
A STARK warning has gone out to would-be reservoir swimmers before the Bank Holiday – a dip could leave you dead.
Thousands of people visit Yorkshire's reservoirs every year to play water sports, enjoy a picnic or just take in the view. But, when the weather is warm, some are unable to resist the temptation to go for a swim.
This ended in tragedy last year and in 2004, when a teenager and a young man drowned in Cod Beck reservoir, North Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Water safety chiefs have said that while reservoir water may seem calm, it can be more dangerous than a fast flowing river or the sea.
A spokesman said: "Water temperature never rises much above 10C and the cold is a hidden killer.
"Although the swimmer may set out with confidence, within minutes of immersion the body will begin to close down.
"Hyperventilation is one of the first signs of trouble as the body's metabolism speeds up to keep blood pumping around the body, but it will only last a few minutes.
"After that, muscles will go into spasm as the body shuts down to protect the vital organs and the swimmer will begin to sink and then to inhale water. If help doesn't arrive within minutes, death is inevitable."
Geoff Lomas, Yorkshire Water's catchment and recreation manager, said the company wants people to enjoy a peaceful day on its land or at one of its reservoirs. But he added: "We want them to go home safely having had a great day out.
"We're pleased that our reservoirs are largely full but we would urge everyone who heads for the countryside this weekend to think of their safety first and resist the urge to take a plunge."
Earlier this month, Yorkshire Water announced it had joined forces with the emergency services and a community safety team to produce a hard-hitting DVD which tells the tragic story of the drowning of a teenager in one of its reservoirs.
Tragic
The DVD is aimed at young adults and secondary school children in the hope of persuading them that a dip in open water can lead to tragedy.
The forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend is mainly fine with temperatures reaching 20 or 21 Celsisus (68 or 70 Fahrenheit).
A PA Weather spokesman said: "Tomorrow will be mainly dry with the outside chance of a shower. There will be a few showers on Sunday morning, drying out in the afternoon. Monday should be quite a nice day, dry and with sunny spells."
richard.edwards@ypn.co.uk
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Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
