With school holidays officially here, NI Water is asking everyone to make safety at its various sites a priority throughout the summer holidays.
NI Water is encouraging adults to talk to children and young people about playing safe and staying safe, including risks at reservoirs and work sites such as treatment works, construction areas and other operational locations.
NI Water Facilities Senior Manager Patricia McKee said: “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces safely this summer, but please remember reservoirs are not suitable for swimming or any other water-based activity. Even a quick paddle can become an emergency because of cold water shock, strong underwater currents, hidden hazards and steep, slippery banks.
“Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so we all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others safe. Please keep out of the water, stay back from the edge, supervise children closely and keep dogs on leads near water. If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service if inland.”
Patricia continued: “It is also important to remind children and young people that NI Water work sites are not safe places to play. Many are remote and can contain hidden dangers, so please obey all safety signs, stay clear of fences, barriers, trenches, manholes and equipment, and report any suspicious activity to the police on 101.”
NI Water is reminding visitors of the key risks at reservoirs:
- Reservoir water remains extremely cold, even during summer.
- Cold water shock can affect breathing, movement and the ability to swim.
- Strong underwater currents can trouble even confident swimmers.
- Reservoirs are often much deeper than they appear.
- Hidden debris, weeds, plants, pumps and mechanical equipment can cause injury or entanglement.
- Steep, slippery banks can make it very difficult to get out of the water.
- There are no lifeguards on duty at NI Water reservoirs.
- In addition to NI Water reservoirs, water hazards can also be found at rivers, lakes, canals, quarries and coastal areas.
- Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to help you float, get control of your breathing, then call 999 for help or swim to safety if you can.
NI Water has some simple steps on how to stay safe across its sites:
- Don’t climb on barriers and fences - they are there to protect you from serious injury and accidents.
- Stay away from trenches and open manholes – they could collapse or contain hazardous gases.
- Be careful near roads - never run out from behind parked vans or lorries as you could be knocked down and injured.
- Keep clear of equipment - you may see diggers, lorries, pipes and other equipment, but do not be tempted - steer clear and don’t touch!
- Obey ‘closed’ signs - reservoirs and treatment works can be very dangerous places, so stay well away and always obey the no entry signs.
- Contact the police on 101 if you see any suspicious activity at one of our sites.
Ends
Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com