Yorkshire Water offers summer reservoir safety advice

• The utility is hosting live water safety events for school children ahead of the summer holidays 
• But it issues a warning to everyone ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend 

In support of Drowning Prevention Week (15 – 22 June), Yorkshire Water is hosting a series of live events to raise awareness of water safety guidance amongst school children.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Drowning Prevention Week, one of the largest summer water safety campaigns across the UK and Ireland, aims to educate children on the hidden dangers of open water. This includes risks to life such as cold-water shock, underlying currents, and operational equipment in the water. 

Anne Reed, social value and education manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “With these lessons, we’re hoping to equip children with the skills and knowledge they need to make the right decisions about water safety. We want families to enjoy the outdoors over the coming months, but it's also important that there’s a good understanding of the risks involved with open water, how we can keep each other safe, and what to do if something does go wrong.” 

Yorkshire Water will be hosting its live events – which target children between Early Years and KS4 age groups - on Tuesday 18 June and Thursday 20 June. 

Whilst the water safety lessons are targeting children ahead of the school summer holidays when they are expected to spend more time outdoors, Yorkshire Water is also issuing a warning to everyone planning to visit a reservoir, or other open water spaces, this May Bank Holiday weekend. 

Swimming in reservoirs across the county is not allowed, and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant around the water.  

David Spencer, lead ranger at Yorkshire Water, added: “We warmly welcome visitors to our reservoirs, especially when there’s a long weekend to enjoy, but it's important that those who do visit do not take risks that could put them in harm's way. 

“Behaving responsibly also extends to following the Countryside Code. Taking litter home, keeping dogs on leads, and refraining from using a disposable barbecue can all help to keep wildlife, the natural environment, and nearby farm animals safe.” 

If visitors do see someone in the water who requires help or a fire, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service immediately – crews are trained and equipped to deal with such incidents. 

Schools interested in the live water safety events can find out more information via Yorkshire Water’s Education webpage.