Alert issued over open water ahead of warm weather

4 hours ago

Hsin-Yi LoSouth East

Tandridge District Council is urging residents and visitors not to swim in Mercers Lake

Google A lake with trees and plants surrounding it. — Tandridge District Council is urging residents and visitors not to swim in Mercers Lake

Local authorities in Surrey are warning the dangers of swimming as forecasters predict warmer weather by the end of the week.

It comes after emergency services in Surrey warned of recent reports of increased in water-based dangers following multiple drownings across the country.

Surrey County Council has issued guidance to residents, while Tandridge District Council (TDC) is urging residents and visitors "not to congregate at, or swim in" Mercers Lake in Nutfield, near Redhill.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "It's important to understand the dangers of swimming in open water, including in local lakes."

There have been at least 15 water-related deaths across the country in the recent hot weather last month, including a 15-year-old boy whose body was recovered from a pond in Swanscombe, Kent.

After a cool and wet start to June, temperatures will once again rise with much warmer weather in store by the end of this week.

TDC said open water is "usually much colder" than water in a pool, which could seriously affect children and adults' heart rates and ability to move and breathe.

"Falling into freezing water can also result in shock which can lead to panic and drowning," the council added.

Emergency crews were called to reports of concerns for a swimmer in a pond in Swanscombe, Kent, last month

UKNIP Search and rescue teams at the side of a pond — Emergency crews were called to reports of concerns for a swimmer in a pond in Swanscombe, Kent, last month

TDC said: "Open water like lakes can contain abandoned items under the water like tyres and containers that swimmers could injure themselves on.

"There may be strong underwater currents that increase your risk of drowning."

The local authority said swimmers in open water could risk being caught in plant life and seaweed and could subsequently be dragged under.

In 2018, a man's body was found in the lake following a three-hour search.

SCC advised people "never to enter the water and attempt to rescue someone themselves".

The council explained that Surrey has many different bodies of water, large lakes and the River Thames, and visitors should be aware of risks including cold water shocks which could be fatal.

They advised people to follow the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)'s advice of Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI.

SCC also reminded people that weather can affect the water, and to check forecasts and tides before heading out.

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