Warning over dangers of swimming or jumping into rivers and canals during the heatwave

People are being warned about the dangers of swimming in or jumping into rivers or canals.

The warning comes from Exeter City Council as the schools break up for the summer holidays.

It follows a spate of incidents where people have been jumping into the Exeter Canal, some at Double Locks.

Signs have been put up warning people about the dangers of drowning as well as the disturbance to wildlife. The move has been backed by the Fire Service and the Environment Agency.

Cllr David Harvey, Lead Councillor for Place, said the Council was concerned for the safety of people jumping into the Canal and that signs had been erected around the Canal Basin and at other points along the waterway to prevent injury or even loss of life.

“No-one likes to be a kill-joy but the fact of the matter is that the Canal is not a safe place to be swimming in or jumping into.

“People can’t always see what they are jumping into and there are also significant risks from the propellers of boats. Taking in water may be harmful and there is a threat to wildlife, especially nesting birds.”

Dan Searle from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Community Safety Education said: “Be careful when jumping into open water, as cold water shock is a particular concern at this time of year. The temperature of the air may be significantly higher than that of the water. Cold water shock will make you shiver affecting your coordination and swimming ability. Cold water could claim your life.”

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “In hot weather it may be tempting to cool off in the water but weirs and flood defences are not safe places to play. People should always respect the water, no matter what the location.”