The fire service have today provided water safety advice in Salford Quays, in a bid to inform members of the public about the dangers of cold water shock. It comes after the body of 16-year-old Kalen Waugh was tragically recovered from Salford Quays last month after reports that a person had gotten into difficulty in the water.
Police said he had been swimming with friends and a major search operation was launched on July 16, with Kalen's body recovered later that night. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Today (August 10) people around Media City UK were invited to water safety advice training in which they were taught about the dangers of cold water shock, despite the heat.
READ MORE:
Between 10am and 2pm fire engines from Salford Fire Service cordoned off an area around Media City UK.
Pictures from the area showed a damaged car in the centre of the cordon, along with a fire engine.
In a tweet, a spokesperson for MediaCityUK said: “Salford Fire Service will be at MediaCity today from 10-2pm providing water safety advice. Although the temperatures are soaring Salford Quays water remains cold, it can cause cold water shock and kill. Please stay out of the water."
Police and council bosses have previously warned the public not to swim in the waters of the quays or jump off bridges despite the forecasted hot weather.
Det Insp Joanne Johnston said: "We remind the public to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds. We all want to enjoy the warm weather; please make sure you do so in a safe way. Think of your family - look out for your friends."
The area is monitored by CCTV cameras and by joint council and police patrols in hot weather - which are now being stepped up. Under 18s caught jumping from bridges or illegally swimming will receive a police warning and adults will be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice, said Salford council.
Parents of pupils at local schools have also been sent letters warning of the dangers of unsupervised open water swimming. As the Manchester Evening News reported earlier police have also issued a warning after '20 youths' were reported swimming and jumping off a pier at a reservoir in Bolton .
Sign up to our Rochdale newsletter to get the latest updates to your inbox
READ NEXT:
-
LIVE: Ryan Giggs trial latest as Kate Greville is cross-examined - updates
- Tragedy of 'a perfect son', 18, who died after ingesting poisonous substance bought online
- "See you soon muppets": Man threatened to turn up at ex’s home after 'altercation' with her dad
- PrettyLittleThing advert featuring 'socially irresponsible' images of 16-year-old model banned
- Residents SWELTERING in apartment block "need air" during heatwave as they can't open balcony doors due to cladding work
