Emergency services have issued a warning about the dangers of swimming in open water after more than 100 people attended one beauty spot over the bank holiday weekend.
Officers were called to Holme Pierrepont, in Rushcliffe, on Monday (25 May) following reports groups were jumping into the water.
There were also additional reports of people entering the River Trent from both sides of the water close to the Weir Fields Recreation Ground, Beeston Rylands.
Advice was given by neighbourhood officers who attended the scene on Monday and both locations will be monitored over the coming days.
Almost half of accidental drownings happen in the warmer months and often involve people who take a spur-of-the-moment decision to enter the water.
Dangers posed by open water can include very cold temperatures, even in summer months, strong underwater currents, unexpected water depths and other hazards such as debris, weeds, pumps and mechanical equipment.
Inspector Tim Cuthbert, neighbourhood inspector for Rushcliffe, said:
“It’s going to remain very warm and sunny this week and people will obviously want to be out and about enjoying the start of summer.
“People will want to be keeping cool but jumping into open water puts yourself and other people’s lives at risk.
“The Trent and other rivers and canals around Nottinghamshire may look incredibly enticing but you won’t know the dangers that lurk beneath the surface.
“There are no lifeguards, you don’t know how deep it is, or what’s in the water.
“You could get tangled up in the weeds, land on a discarded shopping trolley, and hurt yourself.
“Even with the hot weather, the water could still be cold causing you to go into cold water shock.
“No matter how strong of a swimmer you believe you are, or if your mates are jumping in, or you’re following a trend on TikTok and egging each other on – remember the dangers.
“I’d also urge people not to be a bystander, if you see anyone putting themselves at risk, tell them they could get seriously hurt.
“Please enjoy the good weather but don’t go jumping or swimming in open water, it’s really not worth the risk.”
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager, Natasha Neale, added:
“We would reiterate the safety advice from our colleagues in Policing.
“Water, especially deep water, can be much colder than the air temperatures even after prolonged hot weather spells.
“However, enticing it can be to cool off in open water, cold water shock can make swimming difficult. Coupled with potential unknown objects under the waters surface and currents, even strong swimmers can get into difficulty quickly.
“If you see someone in difficulty in the water, phone 999 and ask for the fire service. Give an accurate location using what3words or landmarks and instruct the person to float on their back. Never enter the water yourself.”
