Trafford Council is urging people not to gamble with their lives by swimming in rivers across the borough.
Groups of youths - many under the influence of alcohol - are reportedly congregating on ‘the beach’ at Urmston Meadows and are putting themselves at risk by jumping into the River Mersey.
Both Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police are becoming very concerned about the situation as the currents in the river can be deceptively strong. And they fear the dangerous activity will continue with a return to warmer weather throughout the summer months.
Cllr Mike Freeman, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform, said:
If you jump in a river you are taking your life into your hands. Rivers and deep bodies of water stay cold whatever the weather and it’s very easy to get into trouble and drown.
People who have been drinking lose their inhibitions and decide to swim in the rivers against their better judgement. Please don’t be tempted to cool off in rivers during the warm weather, it is extremely dangerous and you should avoid it at all costs. Also, actions like this put huge pressure on the emergency services who are extremely stretched already due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The warning comes as the national campaign, Drowning Prevention Week, prepares to launch on June 12. The aim of the campaign is to help everybody take charge of their own destiny to enjoy the water, safely. Go to the Royal Life Saving Society website to find out more about the campaign.
Posted on Friday 5th June 2020