Stay out of the reservoirs

This time last month we were mopping up after some of the heaviest rains we can remember, but this weekend we are expecting to be basking in the warmest weekend of the year.

With temperatures as hot as Spain, the temptation is to head to the outdoors and take a dip. But with tragedies already reported across the country, local safety officials are warning people of the dangers.

Police, fire and ambulance services have all issued warnings about the dangers of taking a dip in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and now Severn Trent have sounded the alarm about reservoirs like Lake Vyrnwy (pictured).

Tom Crawford, site supervisor at Severn Trent, said: “Although our reservoirs look tempting and the ideal way to cool down, the fact is they’re extremely dangerous. On the surface they look calm and steady but, underneath, the water is extremely deep with incredibly strong currents that even the most experienced swimmer would struggle with.”

Severn Trent says all its reservoirs, including Llyn Clywedog and Lake Vyrnwy, are built to supply water, and not for swimming.

Tom added: “Not only are our reservoirs really deep, they’re also extremely cold. If you go into any of our reservoirs, you might end up in serious trouble, and, unlike beaches and swimming pools, there are no lifeguards to help you, so don’t take the risk.”