Give reservoirs a wide berth

12:10pm Friday 16th May 2008

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EAST Lancashire has more reservoirs than many areas of its size and every year at this time police, fire authorities and landowners like United Utilities warn of the dangers of swimming in them.

Yet tragically summer after summer people get into difficulties after going into icy cold waters which look so inviting on a warm, sunny day.

Today we report on the latest terrible incident in which a 34-year-old man died after diving into Anglezarke Reservoir near Chorley to try to save his girlfriend's 12-year-old daughter who is said to have slipped into the water after trying to catch a ball.

The girl was able to swim to safety but sadly the man got into difficulty and drowned despite the laudable motives behind his decision to plunge in.

The problem is that such cold water is a shock to the system and can cause cramps which leave people who may be able to swim in a warm pool unable to keep afloat.

The oft-repeated warnings to keep well away from the edge of reservoirs should always be heeded.

Such waters look truly appealing and are usually in beautiful settings.

But they should only be looked at, however tempting a dip might seem.