Alert over danger of sunny day dips
With temperatures soaring the temptation to take a refreshing dip in the region's rivers or lakes is ever more appealing – but residents and visitors were today warned of the deadly dangers of taking the plunge.
Lunt Pool in Bilston, Swan Pool in Sandwell Valley, Blue Lagoon in Himley and Chasewater Reservoir near Brownhills all offer enticing opportunities to cool down. But with forecasters predicting the hottest day of the year so far today, warnings have been issued to try and deter swimmers from risking their lives.
Last week an inquest was held into the death of six-year-old Imie Harrison, who drowned in the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, in Kidderminster, while playing with friends.
Two years ago, Mohammed Fayz Uddin, aged 18, of Smethwick, and 17-year-old Sara Rylance, died in the Birmingham Canal in Smethwick.
And last year Augusto Zacarias, aged 15, drowned at the Blue Lagoon quarry lake, in Himley, near Dudley. It is now being drained
Swan Pool, in Sandwell Valley, and a pool at Rowley Quarry were among the danger areas today highlighted by Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for the environment.
She said: "Young people need to think very carefully – I know it is hot, but if you want to go swimming that badly to cool down, call in at one of the many local leisure centres.
"The pools are seriously dangerous – you don't realise how deep and cold they are before you get in, then you cramp up and can be gone."
Ann Nightingale, chairwoman of Lunt Tenants' and Residents' Association, earlier this week won a battle to get a railing installed at the end of Barn Farm Close, leading to the waters edge at Lunt Pool in Bilston.
She said: "People do go in the water from time to time – I'd urge them to ensure someone is with them at all times."
