Last night (Sunday 18 July) our crews were called to assist with the search for a man who had got into difficulty in the water at Crookes Valley Park, Sheffield.
Sadly this has turned out to be another tragic water death and our thoughts are very much with the individual’s family and friends at this time.
Our message to people across South Yorkshire is simple – please stay out of the water unless you are at a proper swimming pool or part of an organised open water swimming group.
We know how tempting it is to go for a swim in lakes, canals and reservoirs, especially in hot weather like this, but there are too many risks.
Open bodies of water are often much colder than they look – this can send your body into shock when you jump in and prevent you being able to swim to safety.
You also have no idea what is underneath – hidden currents, rocks and rubbish being the main dangers that can cause you serious harm.
With the summer holidays upon us, we call upon parents to speak to their children about the dangers and not giving into peer pressure.
We really don’t want to see any more heart-breaking drownings in and around South Yorkshire this summer – each one is one too many.