Queens Dock is a known hotspot for young swimmers looking to cool off during hot weather
As Merseyside sweats beneath a blistering heat wave, thrill-seeking youths are cooling off by leaping into the River Mersey. Queens Dock is known as a hotspot for swimmers during hot weather – despite warning signs in the area urging people to stay out of the water.
Britain has entered the fourth day of its heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 26C in Liverpool today, according to the Met Office. The record for the hottest May day ever was shattered yesterday, May 26, when mercury climbed to 35C at both Heathrow and Kew Gardens in London.
People flocked to beaches at Ainsdale, Crosby and Formby on Bank Holiday Monday, resulting in mass traffic chaos. In Liverpool, Queens Dock is a frequent haunt for young people looking to cool off in the River Mersey, and jumpers can be seen entering the water despite the “no swimming” warning signs.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the Canal and Rivers Trust which owns the dock,
Area manager and head of prevention Mark Thomas, who has been at MFRS for 34 years, told the ECHO: “It’s not just Queens Dock where we see challenges when there’s a bit of heat, particularly to the excess we have had. Unfortunately we’re hearing news today of four young people who have lost their lives nationally and it really highlights the dangers of going into water when we don’t fully appreciate the risks.
“When young people are harmed or worse the strain on family, friends, communities and even emergency services is almost tangible and is really devastating for everyone involved.
“I’ve had a long career in the fire and rescue service and whenever there is a tragedy, particular involving young people, there is always the frustration that it didn’t need to happen. We see wasted young lives and that impacts on family and friends.
“Any firefighter will tell you that when we get weather like this, we know we are going to be deployed to help someone in difficulty in the water. We’ve had several incidents over the course of the last few days.
“We’ve increased our focused waterfront areas, particular in regards to antisocial behaviour and unauthorised swimming.
“There are authorised areas where open water swimming is available. We suggest people look to authorised areas. Equally when on beaches, people should swim where lifeguards display where this is safe.”
The Canal & River Trust, which owns Queens Dock, operates a summer water safety campaign each year to highlight the risks of jumping into open water.
A spokesman said: “It is truly heart-breaking when a young life, and it mostly is young people, gets lost this way. It is particularly worth highlighting as we enter a period of hot weather and the end of exam season.”
Mark said: “We find a lot of young people think it’s OK to jump into a dock, dam or canal, but these environments are very dangerous. You dont know what’s under the water, you don’t know the temperature of the water. They can often still be very cold despite the high temperatures that the air is showing.
“When you go into water, the body has an almost involuntary reaction called cold water shock. Muscles tighten up, you have a sharp intake of breath, and you can imagine the challenge that brings.
“You might look at still water and think its looks peaceful. The River Mersey looks on many occasions like a mill pond. But we would advise going against going in. The water should be respected. Even still areas can have currents underneath them and hidden hazards.
“They are in idyllic settings with the sun beating down under a beautiful blue sky, and we are so lucky to live in a place with so much water around us, but there is a risk and that’s what we want to get across.”
The act of jumping into water from a height is sometimes known as “tombstoning”.
HM Coastguard warned: “Tombstoning is a high-risk activity where people jump or dive from height into water, often from piers, jetties, cliffs and bridges. Changing tides and water depth, submerged items and cold water shock can cause death or life changing injuries.
“Submerged hazards like rocks may not be visible, and water may be shallower than it seems. Also, once in the water it may be impossible to get out.
“Do not jump. Instead, try coasteering with a registered provider. They will provide the necessary training and equipment to make the experience both safe and enjoyable. Never go into water while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or peer pressure.”
Mark added: “We have two key messages. First is to parents and carers, talk to your children and make them aware. The second is to young people themselves, which is: avoid the water at all costs when you’ve had alcohol.
“We’ve also noticed a growing trend of social media videos and reels of young people doing what can only be described as daft stunts. Don’t be tempted to do silly things for clicks.”
