The council has issued a warning on swimming in Bristol as temperatures are set to soar this week. Bristol City Council has urged people not to be tempted during warmer weather and to respect the swimming ban in Bristol Harbour.
It’s currently illegal to swim in any area due to the fact it's a working harbour. Swimming is only permitted when the Bristol Harbour Master gives consent.
On Instagram, the council reminded its followers of the ban in a post, which read: "With the temperatures rising you may be considering an instant cool down.
Read more: 'Potential danger to life' as extreme heat warning to hit Bristol
"Please do not be tempted to swim in the harbour and waterways, as entering the water presents significant risks. Call 999 and ask for the fire service if you see someone in trouble in the water."
In June last year, Bristol City Council said they were "looking into" how the harbour could potentially be opened for "safe and managed swimming". Discussions were held last year as residents have attempted to swim in the waters at the harbour over the summer despite warnings from the council that it is strictly prohibited.
But the conversations never manifested into anything despite wild swimmers organising a series of 'protest dips' in the harbour to demonstrate against the legislation last summer. At the time, Bristol’s Harbour Master warned those taking part that they are breaking a bylaw which bans swimming in the docks, and they could be liable for a £1,000 fine.
On the council's website, it claims it is "exploring the possible introduction of a safe, managed and separate swimming area in the harbourside". "However, these facilities are not in place right now and will take time to develop," it continued.
The council identifies several reasons why swimming is prohibited in the Cumberland Basin. This includes cold water shock, getting hit by a boat, hazardous or discarded objects under the water, occasional very strong currents due to tides and occasional poor water quality.
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