NI Water is urging all visitors to its sites, including Lough Shannagh, Silent Valley Mountain Park, Ben Crom and Spelga Dam, to strictly avoid swimming, diving, paddle boarding or any form of water-based activity in these areas. 

This reminder follows recent reports received by NI Water rangers concerning unsafe behaviour, such as swimming, diving and paddle boarding at Lough Shannagh. NI Water is also aware that some individuals are sharing these risky exploits on social media, inadvertently encouraging others to follow suit.

NI Water’s facilities senior manager Patricia McKee commented: “Our policy isn’t about stopping enjoyment; it’s about preventing tragedy. The dangers associated with the activities witnessed and reported are significant. Having watched these online videos myself, our fear is that others may imitate them, and it could only be a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or worse.

“Under no circumstances should anyone attempt or participate in any water activities at our reservoirs, as doing so may result in severe danger or loss of life. Posting about these activities online irresponsibly promotes dangerous behaviour that could cost lives.”

While reservoirs might appear inviting, they pose hidden dangers such as cold temperatures, powerful currents, submerged hazards, and challenging exits. NI Water emphasises that its reservoirs and surrounding lands are operational sites and not suitable for recreational water activities. Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by the risks present, including cold water shock and unseen obstacles.

Patricia added: “Statistics from the Water Incident Database (WAID), developed by the National Water Safety Forum, show that inland open waters like reservoirs are leading sites for accidental drowning, with recreational activities accounting for almost half of deaths. This underscores the need for vigilance and respect when near our waterways. Please always heed safety signs and behave responsibly.”

Reservoir safety information from NI Water:

• Reservoir water remains extremely cold, even during warm spring and summer months.
• Strong underwater currents can overwhelm even skilled swimmers.
• Reservoirs are often much deeper than anticipated.
• Hidden dangers such as debris, weeds, mechanical equipment, and steep, slippery banks can cause injury or entrapment.
• There are no lifeguards present.

National Water Safety Forum Guidance:

• If you find yourself in trouble, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to float, control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety.
• If you witness someone struggling in water, call 999. If at the coast, request the coastguard; if inland, ask for the fire service.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Please refer to NI Water’s Recreation & Access Guidance document, available on NI Water website, which states, “Swimming activity by members of the public is strictly not permitted at any NI Water owned publicly accessible site / reservoir. This includes all reservoirs, whether currently in use or out of use”. Further guidance on safety around NI Water Reservoirs can be found on NI Water’s website: NI Water Reservoirs.

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