A Chorley councillor has called for people taking safety risks at a reservoir in the borough to be removed from the site by the water company that operates it.
Mark Perks says he has seen multiple children in the water at the Anglezarke facility near Rivington during this week’s hot weather – with families even holding drinks parties and barbecues at the spot.
His call for action comes in the wake of a dozen water-related deaths nationwide in the space of just four days – including 12-year-old Junior Slater whose body was recovered from the River Ribble in Ribchester on Tuesday.
Read more: Fundraiser in memory of Junior Slater who died in the River Ribble launches
United Utilities, which owns the Anglezarke reservoir, says swimming is prohibited at all such sites – and that its staff engage with members of the public seen breaching the rules.
However, Cllr Perks, who represents the Chorley North and Astley ward and is the Reform UK group leader on Chorley Council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that more needs to be done before Lancashire sees another fatality.
“I have become increasingly concerned at the lack of action United Utilities are taking to combat the regular appearance, in warm weather, of individuals and families using the reservoir,” he said.
“As a dog walker, I visit the area every evening and this week I have seen scenes at their worst ever – at times, it been like the banks of the Ganges River, with loads of people gathered next to the water.
“[There are] fires burning, barbecues and drinks parties – and children [in the water] on plastic floats, with no armbands or safety jackets.
“But there is no sign of United Utilities officials removing people from their land – and no police. It’s a free-for-all, with no regard for residents or locals walking – and litter scattered everywhere.”
Although the reservoir is on private land, it is open for the public to access – and there are walking routes around the water which are actively promoted by tourist organisations.
In response to Cllr Perks’ concerns, a United Utilities spokesperson said: “Reservoirs are wonderful places to visit and Anglezarke is a popular spot which we want visitors to enjoy safely.
“We share concerns about people entering our reservoirs. We carry out a considerable amount of communication every summer and this year, we have joined forces with the emergency services on a safety campaign which reminds people of the dangers of cold water in reservoirs and other water courses.
“There are clear warning signs at all our reservoirs – and our local teams regularly engage with visitors to remind them that swimming isn’t allowed.”
‘Don’t risk a dip – it could be the last thing you do’
A series of hard-hitting videos have been produced by United Utilities and the emergency services in the North West, which remind people that cold water can kill in less than 60 seconds. The productions – which also offer advice for anyone who does get into difficulty – are being made available to schools and posted on social media.
They contain the ‘Float to Live’ advice shared by the RNLI – and a reminder that anybody who spots are person in trouble in a body of water should call 999 and, if possible, throw a life ring or buoyancy aid out to help them.
Lancashire Police Sergeant Elliot Jones said: “This joint work with United Utilities and partner emergency services is vital in reinforcing the dangers of open water swimming to our communities. Many officers, myself included, have attended incidents involving drowning or serious injury – situations no one should face and that could have been avoided.
“Sadly, we continue to see fatalities and injuries. While warm weather can make a ‘quick dip’ tempting, I urge anyone considering it to first watch this video and reflect on the risks.
“The key message is simple – it isn’t worth it. Think carefully before entering open water, don’t feel pressured to follow others – and parents should ensure their children fully understand the dangers.”
Steve Turner, Watch Manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service knows first-hand how tempting it can be to jump into a river. He said: “I took horrendous risks as a child, knowing what I now know, I wouldn’t go near, I’ve seen the impact. It could be warm outside, [but] the body of water could be 10C or colder and that’s when cold water shock kicks in- then it is a race against time.”
Grant Baxter, a Group Manager at North West Ambulance Service added: “If you jump into a swimming pool your body can feel a bit of a shock – jumping into open water can be 10 times worse. When people get into difficulty, the clock is ticking, the locations of the reservoirs and rivers mean it can take time for help to arrive and unfortunately it can be too late.”
Jo Harrison, Asset Management Director at United Utilities said the firm was trying to spread the same message every year.
“Tragically…when we get a spell of warm weather, there are drownings in waterways across the country and it is heartbreaking to see this loss of life – particularly when many of the victims are so young.
“Our reservoirs may look like a tempting place to take a dip, but they have hidden dangers, such as cold temperatures, hidden operational equipment and steep sides which can make it difficult to get out. They are also often in remote locations which makes rescue difficult when people get into trouble. Our message to young people is clear – please don’t take the risk.”
