RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

July 4, 2001
QUARRY DEATH SPARKS FEARS OF HEATWAVE DROWNINGS

The death of a 17 year-old in a quarry pool could be the start of a spate of heatwave drownings unless people heed safety warnings, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today.

The circumstances of the incident in Worcestershire are still unclear, but the pool has claimed a life in the past - like many similar stretches of water around the country.

Latest figures showed that in one year more than 370 people drowned in inland open water such as pools, rivers, streams, lakes, canals, reservoirs and lochs.

As well as small children, those most at risk are men from their mid-teens to their mid-30s - and hot weather is usually the signal for a spate of tragedies as people look for ways to cool off. Bravado and alcohol often play a part.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA Head of Water Safety, said: “With the heatwave continuing, we have to get the message through to people that the only safe place to swim in this country is at a properly supervised swimming pool or a properly supervised beach.

“Even in the hottest weather, water in this country remains extremely cold and saps people’s strength. They often over-estimate their swimming capabilities and are unaware of other hazards like hidden currents, rubbish and reeds.

“Places that are traditional swimming spots can still be death-traps. The school holidays are only days away and it is vital that parents warn their children about these dangers. Those who can swim are often most at risk as non-swimmers tend to stay out of this type of water.”

RoSPA publishes a guide called Safety at Inland Water Sites. It looks at the legal responsibilities of site owners, the principles of water safety management, risk assessment, drowning prevention strategies, recreation on water and staff management.