Oxfordshire fire service swimming warning after deaths

With temperatures remaining high this weekend (Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19), the service is urging residents to resist the temptation to swim in rivers, lakes, or flooded decommissioned quarries.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Chinnor Quarry is a prime example of a body of water that is dangerous.

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“It looks appealing but hidden dangers and deep waters are lethal. There are steep drops and contaminants in the waters.”

Its advice comes after a string of open-water swimming deaths across the UK this summer

The BBC has reported that there have been at least 29 deaths in open water across the UK since the spell of record-breaking hot weather, which began in May.

Chinnor Quarry (Image: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

This includes the tragic death of 14-year-old boy Baltazar L’Quy in the River Thames on the evening of Wednesday, May 27, close to Donnington Bridge.

As such the fire service has advised the public to stay out of open water, adding that the safest place to swim is in a supervised swimming pool.

The service also warned residents to avoid being near water if they have been drinking alcohol and advised parents to warn their children of the risks and know where they are when they are out playing.

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The dangers of cold open water were also highlighted, including cold-water shock which can affect breathing.

“Half of all people who drown never intended to enter the water,” added the fire service spokesperson.

They also advised people to call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service if they see someone else in difficulties in water.