A huge emergency services response rushed to Heaton Park on Sunday afternoon over fears of someone struggling in the water. It is understood that crews headed for the reservoir beside the St Margaret's entrance after they were informed somebody who was swimming was facing difficulties.
However when they arrived, firefighters carried out a full search of the water at the north Manchester park and didn't find anyone in need of help. Onlookers reported seeing the huge response speed into the car park shortly before 4pm on Sunday (March 20).
The fire service has since confirmed that the person in the water had, on this occasion, been able to pull themselves to safety and leave the area before emergency crews arrived. However, they have today issued a stark warning on the dangers of cold reservoir waters in the region.
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Witnesses reported seeing fire crews from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Police as well as paramedics and a water incident team. Pictures from the scene show a large number of emergency vehicles parked up near the reservoir, before they left the scene at around 4.45pm.
The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service confirmed that a 999 call had been made in relation to someone swimming and struggling in the reservoir, but following a thorough search, no such person was found. The fire service also told the M.E.N that there was no evidence to suggest it had been a hoax call and that the person had swam to safety unaided.
A witness told the MEN : "Me, my girlfriend and two daughters had been out at Heaton Park and were heading back to the car. Suddenly, we saw all the police and ambulance vehicles arrive and they ran over towards the reservoir.
"We just wanted to quickly get in the car and move out of the way as there was more and more of them coming. We hadn't actually seen anyone swimming in the reservoir all day but it was very busy because of the sunny weather."
A statement from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "This afternoon around half past three we sent five fire engines, the water rescue unit, and the technical rescue unit to Heaton Park in Manchester after a 999 call reported a person swimming in the reservoir was in trouble and needed assistance.
"Upon arrival at Heaton Park firefighters conducted a thorough search of the entire reservoir but could not find anybody in need of rescue. Firefighters left after approximately one hour.
"We want to reassure people that dialling 999 when you think someone is in danger is always the right thing to do. The cold water in our reservoirs is incredibly dangerous and can and has killed people. If someone needs help, they'll need it fast.
"Mercifully on this occasion it appears that the person who needed help has been able to self-rescue and has left the area before we arrived." Greater Manchester Police have also been contacted for more information on the incident.
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