NI Water is urging the public to respect a strict ban on barbecues, open fires and water-based activities at all its sites, as hot weather increases the risk of wildfires across Northern Ireland.

The ban applies to all reservoirs and publicly accessible NI Water locations, regardless of whether sites are currently in use.

Activities such as swimming, diving and paddle boarding are strictly prohibited, with reservoirs posing serious and often unseen dangers.

The reminder follows significant wildfire damage at Silent Valley Mountain Park earlier this year, and recent reports of people entering the water at Lough Shannagh, Silent Valley, Ben Crom and Spelga Dam.

Calling on visitors to stay safe, act responsibly and help protect vital drinking water sources, wildlife and the wider environment, NI Water Senior Facilities Manager Patricia McKee said:

“With temperatures rising over the coming days, the risk of wildfires becomes much more severe. We are asking everyone to respect the ban on barbecues and open fires, which remains in place until further notice.

“If you come across a fire, please move to a safe place and call the NI Fire and Rescue Service on 999. Anyone who sees a fire being started deliberately should report it to the PSNI immediately, as this is a criminal offence.

“We also want to remind anyone visiting our reservoirs that these are working sites and can be extremely dangerous. They are not appropriate places for swimming or other water-based activities. Reservoirs can appear calm on the surface, but hidden hazards, strong currents, cold water shock and difficulties getting out of the water can all pose very serious risks.

“Our message is simple: enjoy these spaces safely, follow the public advisory signage on site and treat our waterways with care and respect.”

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

 

Fire safety advice when visiting NI Water sites:

• Do not light fires in or around forests, reservoirs or open land.
• Do not attempt to tackle a fire yourself under any circumstances.
• If you see a fire, gather your family or group and move to a safe, fuel-free location such as a car park, staying upwind of the fire where possible.
• Call the NI Fire and Rescue Service on 999 and provide the fire location.
• Evacuate if asked to do so and follow all instructions from the emergency services.
• If you see someone deliberately setting fires, report it to the PSNI immediately, as this is a criminal offence.
• Leave no trace by taking all rubbish home and never fly-tip waste.
• Put out cigarettes and other flammable materials properly, and never throw cigarette ends from car windows.
• Avoid using open fires.

 

Reservoir safety advice when visiting NI Water sites:

• Reservoir water remains extremely cold, even during the summer months.
• Strong underwater currents can affect even confident swimmers.
• Reservoirs are often much deeper than they appear.
•  Hidden debris, weeds, plants, pumps and mechanical equipment can cause injury or entanglement below the surface.
• Steep, slippery banks can make it very difficult to get out of the water.
• There are no lifeguards on duty.
• NI Water’s Recreation and Access Guidance states that swimming by members of the public is strictly not permitted at any NI Water owned publicly accessible site or reservoir, including reservoirs that are in use or out of use.

 

National Water Safety Forum advice

• If you get into difficulty in water, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to help you float, get control of your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
• If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. At the coast, ask for the coastguard. Inland, ask for the fire service.

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com