Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, alongside partner Warwickshire Police, is advising people against swimming in open bodies of water.
The advice comes after a group were seen swimming In Ensor’s Pool, despite signs warning them against it, and with warmer weather expected in the coming days.
Lakes, pools, rivers, canals and quarries are all examples of bodies of open water which can carry many dangers for swimmers which can be fatal.
Inspector Ryan Walker of Nuneaton and Bedworth Safer Neighbourhood Team said:
“Some of our bodies of water in Warwickshire, including Ensor’s Pool are designated special area of conservations due to the presence of threatened native species in the water, and swimming could cause the unintended transfer of diseases to these populations.
“Beyond the environmental impact, wild swimming can be very hazardous, the water can be extremely cold even in hot weather, leading to shock which can result in drowning.
“It’s also often difficult to see where the bottom of the water is, and swimmers could be put at risk of entanglement with discarded items in the water.
“We would advise any visitors to Warwickshire’s rivers, ponds, and pools to enjoy the scenery responsibly from the designated areas, but swimming in this kind of open water is dangerous and has led to deaths previously.”
The risk is especially high if you are swimming alone and have no-one there to assist if you get into difficulties and there is also a risk to others who can lose their lives in attempting a rescue.
People regularly get into difficulties and even experienced swimmers can find themselves quickly in trouble.
The water is usually much colder than people expect, particularly if people move away from the shore or enter deep water, there are hidden currents, unexpected obstacles and weeds under the water which people get caught up in and cramp can quickly set in.
The water is also often unclean and carries a risk of a risk of catching waterborne diseases such as Weil’s disease which is caused by rat urine.
Many of our lakes are also used for fishing, which means there could be fishing line in and around the water, which swimmers could get tangled in.
Children and teenagers in particular, who do not realise the dangers, are attracted to such activities. Therefore, we are asking parents to talk to their children to highlight the dangers.
Further information is available from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).