A third of people in the North West admitted they would consider swimming in a reservoir to cool down, research from United Utilities has revealed.
The water company, which owns 180 reservoirs across the region, conducted the research ahead of the peak summer season, when risk takers are most likely to take the plunge.
With latest statistics revealing 300 people in the UK lost their lives in 2016 due to accidental drowning, United Utilities launched a campaign to highlight the risks to teens and their parents.
Matt Upton, United Utilities’ Water Catchment Manager, said: “While teenagers are the most likely to put themselves in harm’s way, we’ve seen adults and even parents with young children taking the plunge, not realising just how much danger they are in.”
Reservoirs, with their sudden drops, hidden machinery, unpredictable currents and freezing water can be fatal for those who ignore the warning signs.
United Utilities’ research revealed:
• 33% of the North West would consider swimming in a reservoir to cool down in hot weather.
• Teenagers can be easily swayed by peer pressure. Almost half of North West teenagers say they have taken risks they now regret. 7% said they would take the plunge in a reservoir if others were doing it.
• 10 % of those surveyed admitted that they, or their friends, had tried ‘tombstoning’ – jumping into the water from a high platform such as bridge or cliff.
