Yorkshire Water Issues Urgent Safety Warning As Summer Holidays Begin

Yorkshire Water is urging families and young people to stay out of reservoirs and open water to avoid cold water shock and hidden hazards this summer.

As the school summer holidays officially begin and the warmer weather continues across the region, Yorkshire Water is issuing a stark reminder to families, children, and young people to prioritise safety around water.

With thousands of children and young people set to spend significantly more time outdoors over the summer break, the utility company is urgently asking everyone to think carefully before entering any open water.

The warning specifically highlights the severe dangers associated with reservoirs, lakes, quarries, rivers, and canals.

Yorkshire Water emphasises that while reservoirs can appear calm, inviting, and a perfect spot to cool down on a hot day, they are in reality extremely dangerous places to swim.

The company warns that the water in these reservoirs remains dangerously cold throughout the entire year, regardless of the air temperature.

Entering this cold water can trigger cold water shock, a severe physical reaction that makes it incredibly difficult to breathe or swim, often leading to immediate danger.

Furthermore, Yorkshire Water points out that reservoirs contain hidden underwater hazards that are not visible from the surface.

These hidden dangers, combined with steep banks and deep water, can make it impossible for individuals to get out of the water safely once they have entered.

While warmer weather naturally sees more people spending time outdoors and around water, the company is reminding the public that reservoirs are strictly operational sites, not places intended for recreation.

Instead, Yorkshire Water strongly advises that choosing a lifeguarded beach or a designated open water venue is the absolute safest way to cool off during the summer months.

Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at RLSS UK, said:

"RLSS UK wants everyone to take advantage of the sunny weather and enjoy being in, on and around water; however, it’s vital to have water safety conversations and practice self-rescue skills like floating before heading to your local beach or lake. Making sure you’re ready with water safety knowledge and lifesaving skills is just as important as remembering to pack suncream."

To help prevent tragedies, Yorkshire Water is asking parents, carers, and young people to sit down and have vital conversations about the very real dangers of swimming in reservoirs.

The company urges families to consciously choose safe, supervised places to enjoy the warm weather instead of taking risks at operational sites.

Anne Reed, education and social value manager at Yorkshire Water, said:

"The summer holidays are a time for making memories with family and friends and we want everyone to enjoy them safely, which means staying out of reservoirs and other dangerous open water.

Reservoirs may look calm, but they can be extremely dangerous. The water stays cold even during hot weather, and hidden hazards below the surface can quickly turn a fun day into a tragedy."

In addition to avoiding reservoirs, Yorkshire Water is actively encouraging anyone planning to spend time around open water this summer to familiarise themselves with the Water Safety Code.

The company stresses the absolute necessity of understanding exactly what to do in an emergency situation.

If someone is seen in difficulty in the water, Yorkshire Water provides clear and immediate guidance.

The primary advice is to call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service if you are inland, or the Coastguard if you are at the coast.

The company strictly warns bystanders to never enter the water to attempt a rescue themselves, as this often results in multiple casualties.

Instead, they suggest encouraging the person in difficulty to float on their back if they are able to do so.

If possible, bystanders should also throw something that floats to the person in trouble, provided it is safe to do so from the edge.

For trusted, comprehensive water safety advice, Yorkshire Water points the public towards the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Life Saving Society.

These established organisations provide practical, life-saving guidance on staying safe around water and what steps to take in an emergency.

Finally, to ensure the message reaches as many young people as possible, Yorkshire Water is encouraging schools across the region to participate in its free water safety education programme.

This educational initiative aims to help children and young people fully understand the dangers of open waters ahead of the summer holidays.