Swimming in open water

In 2005 there were 681 water-related fatalities, 435 of these were suspected accidental drowning, the majority of these occurring between May and July. Almost one third (120) of accidental drowning occurred after the victim slipped or fell in from the land or structures over water, the majority of these occurring at inland locations. (RoSPA)

We urge residents NOT to swim in rivers, lakes, canals or isolated pools and strongly recommend that you only swim in supervised locations where there are likely to be lifeguards present.

If you do swim in a river, lake, canal or isolated pool you are putting yourself in danger as you may get into difficulty, even if you are a strong swimmer. In an isolated area there might not be anyone else around that could help you, even if there is that person may not be able to offer immediate assistance to help you get out of danger.  

Take a look below for at the dangers you could encounter if you swim in open water:

• It is very cold

  • This means you could suffer from hypothermia and cold-shock. Outdoor swimming in cold water saps body heat very quickly.
  • Shivering and teeth-chattering are the first stages of mild hypothermia, so get out of the water and warm up with a combination of warm, dry clothes and activity. ‘Cold-shock’ is the involuntary gasp and rise in heart rate that occurs as the body enters very cold water.

• There may be hidden currents

  • If you are in the water you generally want to avoid being taken downstream in an uncontrolled manner. Even shallow water, if it's moving fast enough, can knock you over and carry you away.

• It can be difficult to get out (steep slimy banks)

  • Banks can be steep and slimy meaning you cannot get a grip hold to enable you to pull yourself out of the water
  • Slipping on the rocks is of the most common dangers in outdoor swimming. Rocks are very slippery when wet. Slipping and falling in this environment has been known to result in severe head injuries. Never run. Go barefoot to get a better grip or wear plimsolls with a rubber sole.

• There may be hidden dangers

  • Do not dive or jump into open water you don’t know what is underneath and a broken neck from a diving accident could paralyse you for life.
  • Water ways are notorious dumping grounds for rubbish and even vehicles have been found in some well used locations. Depths can vary and new underwater obstructions (sand, rocks, branches, rubbish) may have been brought downstream or tipped in.  
  • Weeds are most common in slow, warm lowland rivers, weeds are quite easy to see and, while one or two do not pose a problem, a large bed of weed can entangle a swimmer’s legs. Try to avoid them. If you do encounter some, slow your swim speed right down, don’t kick or thrash, and either float on through using your arms to paddle, or turn around slowly

• There are no lifeguards

  • If you are thinking of swimming in rivers, lakes, canals or isolated pools remember that there are no trained lifeguards to rescue your and help you out of difficulty you are on your own.

• It is difficult to estimate depth and it can suddenly deepen

  • Shallow water can deepen suddenly. If you, your children or your friends cannot swim make sure you scout out the extent of the shallows, set clear boundaries and keep constant supervision. Buy a good quality buoyancy aid for non-swimmers and, best of all, learn to swim.
  • Remember that even shallow sections of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet. Be careful with inflatable’s, which can create a false sense of security and float off into deep sections or burst.

• It may be polluted and may make you ill

  • Blue/green algae is usually found in lowland lakes after warm, wet weather, in late summer, algae can multiply and a powdery, green scum (the blooms). It’s obvious and unpleasant and can make you sick if swallowed. Skin rash or irritation to the eyes can also result following contact
  • Weil’s disease can be found in urban areas sewers and storm drains may harbour colonies of rats whose urine may carry the bacterial infection Leptospirosis. Never swim in urban rivers, particularly canals. Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis), has been known to kill.

• You could experience swimming cramps

  • Swimming cramp can occur in the calf or foot and tends to be caused by overexertion, over-stretching and tiredness.
  • Cramp is NOT more likely after eating but dehydration, or a poor diet in general, can make you especially prone. If you get a leg cramp, shout for help, lie on your back and paddle back to shore with your arms.