‘No swimming’ signs were not enough to dissuade many from the water in South Manchester as they made the plunge in their dozens in an attempt to keep cool in the baking heat. Paddle boarders, swimmers and kayakers could all be seen on the water soaking in the sunshine in Sale.
Sale Water Park was a hotbed of youngsters all revelling in the sunshine with barbecues, music, chairs and picnics. Authorities were prepared with extra bags attached to the bins and plenty of warning signs against ‘unauthorised swimming’.
One experienced walker did express his concern at the amount of people actually going into the water.
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“I am concerned about the amount of youngsters in the water,” Douglas Gill said. “I have told a couple of them off about it and told them to go in gradually.
“I remember when one young kid drowned a few years back here. They don’t understand the danger.”
The 76-year-old from Shaw explained that he had been coming to the park for years and often enjoys long walks through. The former musician said that he liked the hot weather and was determined to use his legs 'whilst he still had them’.
The water itself is not off-limits entirely though. They actually offer courses in multiple different activities on the water.
The water park just off the M60 does boast a variety of watersports activities and many were taking advantage of this with kayaks and paddle boards flying around the water. Two first time paddle boarders were taking the plunge on the eve of their anniversary to celebrate without the children (who are still in school).
Amy and Michael Jones were ready to set off on their recently bought board, and were hoping to find themselves in the drink. It was a test run before they took their children.
“We brought it out so we can practise before taking the kids,” Amy said. “We have the day to ourselves and our anniversary is tomorrow so this is how we are celebrating.
“It’s hot, so we’re actually hoping to fall in. I think Michael will probably push himself in.”
Over at the reservoirs in Gorton things were a bit quieter this morning. Serene and tranquil, the perfect setting for walkers to enjoy their morning.
The signage at Gorton was more severe than it was in Sale with deeper and colder water proving a higher risk of cold water shock. The severity comes after a teenage boy died last week after getting into difficulty in the water at Salford Quays.
Signs warned potential swimmers of the dangers of freezing waters and hazardous underwater currents. There was still life on the water with school-aged children out in the canoes as well as a speedboat watching over them.
Area manager and head of prevention at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Billy Fenwick, previously told the M.E.N: "Unfortunately we see tragic incidents of accidental drownings when the weather is warmer, as people attempt to cool off in open water. We are urging people to never be tempted to jump into any open water or swim in open water where it is not an organised event – it may be warm outside, but the water is not.
"Cold Water Shock can kill even strong swimmers and there is also the risk of dangers lurking beneath the surface which may cause drowning."
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