Bristol Water is urging people not to swim in reservoirs and lakes as hot weather continues this week.
The Met Office has announced a red weather warning for Extreme Heat on Wednesday and Thursday which means an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather is expected across the area, with impacts to the general population highly likely.
Bristol Water is reminding visitors that its reservoirs are active operational sites and can contain deep, cold water, hidden machinery and strong currents beneath the surface.
As part of its routine water safety practice during periods of extreme heat, the water company has temporarily closed public access to Cheddar Reservoir to reduce the risk to visitors and avoid adding pressure to emergency services during a particularly busy period.
Richard Stanbrook, Bristol Water’s General Manager of Drinking Water Services, said: “We know our reservoirs can look very tempting in hot weather, but they are operational sites and it is never safe to enter the water.
Hidden machinery, strong currents and the shock of deep, cold water can all pose serious risks, which is why we’re asking people to enjoy these spaces safely from the shore and follow any safety advice or temporary closures in place.”
For more information on reservoir safety, visit www.bristolwater.co.uk/reservoir-dos-and-donts
