Life-saving organisations in Cumbria have united to encourage people to enjoy the Lake District’s waters safely.
The prolonged spell of hot and dry weather experienced in the county this spring has resulted in water levels dropping at lakes across the area.
As a result, the underwater ‘shelves’ found in many of the area’s lakes are much closer to the edge of the water – meaning the depth can change unexpectedly, resulting in sudden drops.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, the Lake District National Park Authority, and HM Coastguard – all members of Cumbria Water Safety Partnership – came together by Coniston Water to showcase the dangers and remind visitors of key water safety advice.
William Watson, Station Manager at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “I’m here today with our partners from HM Coastguard and the Lake District National Park to help keep people safe when they’re visiting the Lake District.
“We want people to enjoy our waters, but it’s important that they do so safely and remember our key water safety advice.
“That is to ‘Float to Live’ if you find yourself in difficulty, and to ‘Call, Tell, Throw’ if you see somebody else in trouble.”
Ronnie Muggridge, Lakes Ranger at Lake District National Park Authority, donned his wetsuit and walked into the water at Coniston to demonstrate how quickly he lost his footing and began to float – which without appropriate safety gear and preparation could quickly turn into an emergency.
He said: “At the moment because of the dry spell the lakes are extremely low, and that means that there are sudden drops – effectively underwater cliff edges – near the shores of our lakes across the Lake District.
“This makes it quite dangerous for people, even if you don’t intend on entering the water, and we want to make sure people are familiar with all of the relevant safety advice to protect themselves and others.”
Jamie Dalton, Senior Coastal Operations Officer at HM Coastguard, said: “By coming together to share this message, we hope to prevent incidents across the county and ensure people enjoy a safe visit to our beautiful countryside.”
People are urged to be vigilant for the lake bed changing from clear water to a darker shade where they are unable to see the bottom.
The risk of cold water shock, which can get even experienced swimmers into difficulty, is also being highlighted – wearing an appropriate wetsuit and flotation device is advised if you are spending time in or near water.
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to ‘Float to Live’:
If someone else is in trouble in the water:
If you’re visiting the Lake District, please remember to be safe when you’re around the water, and to respect the National Park by leaving no trace.
With the recent warmer weather there is an increased risk of wildfires, so please do not light barbecues and make sure to take litter home with you.
L-R Jamie Dalton, Senior Coastal Operations Officer at HM Coastguard, Ronnie Muggridge, Lake Ranger for Lake District National Park Authority, William Watson, Station Manager at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service
