Rivers are not safe, rescue group warns

A water rescue group has said it is getting a lot more call-outs during the current hot weather and is warning rivers are not a safe place to swim.

Steve Arnold from West Mercia Search and Rescue said rivers are "just not a very clean place to go" and were also filled with hidden hazards beneath the surface.

He reminded people the shock of jumping into cold water could also cause problems and said: "There's no chlorine in it, it's full of chemical run off and cow's stuff and even human sewage."

He said if people wanted to swim in open water they should seek out safe swimming lakes instead. The warning comes after the recent heatwave saw nine people die after getting into difficulties in water.

When people jump into cold water the shock can cause the body to automatically open the mouth and water temperatures in rivers were typically 10C lower than the air temperature, Arnold said.

When his crews enter the water they do so wearing dry suits, with boots, life jackets and helmets "because safety is the key".

"Most people are jumping in the water in just a pair of swimming trunks," he said.

Arnold also reminded people that in a river "there is no lifeguard there to save them if they get into trouble".

Rivers can contain sharp rocks and tangle-hazards such as fishing line, just out of site.

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