Lake bosses face backlash over swimming safety

Bosses at a popular open water swimming lake in Shropshire have said visitors have been refusing to comply with safety rules despite recent drowning tragedies across the UK.

The team at Alderford Lake, near Whitchurch, said they had made buoyancy aids and tow floats mandatory, but some people were still not wearing them.

There were a number of fatal incidents across the country during the recent heatwave, prompting renewed concern over the dangers of swimming in open water.

Kelly Lowe, from Alderford Lake, said staff had faced backlash from some visitors over the safety rules, which were introduced in January.

Lowe said staff had repeatedly reminded visitors of the rules but some still refused to comply.

"It's safety at the end of the day. We want them to go home at night," she said.

"Even if you're the strongest swimmer and you've been swimming in open water for years and years you still could get cramp."

She said that while some swimmers preferred not to wear buoyancy aids for freedom of movement, tow floats provided a less restrictive alternative.

"It doesn't really restrict them," she said. "It's just a strap which goes around your waist and it floats above the water."

She said deeper water remained cold even during warm weather, bringing a risk of cold water shock.

"The only thing I can say is be mindful," she said.

The lake has open water-qualified lifeguards and recently ran a safety drill, she said.

Shropshire swimming coach Glynis Sheppard has also warned about the dangers of swimming in open water, including cold water shock.

"Cold water shock can take hold from 15 degrees and below and typically your lakes and your reservoirs are going to be 10 to 15, maybe 16 at a push," she said.

"That cold water shock can happen even if you're the greatest swimmer in the world."

Shepherd said her 15-year-old son had recently asked to swim in a nearby reservoir.

"I just stared at him and said, 'Don't be so ridiculous'," she said. "I think that's their mentality at that age."

She said parents and schools needed to reinforce safety advice.

"Just keep having those open conversations," she said.

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