South East Water issues reservoir safety advice

South East Water is urging people to stay safe, behave responsibly and not take risks at reservoirs this summer.  

With the latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) showing that 236 people died from accidental drowning across the UK in 2023, the drinking water company is issuing a reminder that it does not support swimming at any of its reservoirs. It has reiterated the warnings regarding the dangers associated with swimming in reservoirs.

Mike Pickard, Head of Health, Safety and Quality at South East Water, said: “We’re so privileged to have such wonderful open spaces for the public to enjoy during periods of hot weather but we must prioritise every visitor’s safety.

“Reservoirs may seem like a good place to swim or cool down but they can contain hidden dangers which are not always obvious from the bankside.

“Our advice is never to swim at any reservoir unless it is a part of an organised event where the risks are suitably low and first aiders are in place.”

Specific dangers to swimmers can include:

• The reservoirs can be very cold, even on a hot day. People can suffer 'cold shock', when the water is below 15 degrees. This is where your muscles become numb and your lungs panic for breath, resulting in lack of energy and potential drowning.
• An accumulation of silt on the bottom of the reservoir trapping feet.
• Machinery and pipework hidden beneath the surface which can start without warning and generate currents.
• Shelves or areas where the depth changes suddenly.
• Submerged branches, plants or other hazards that can trap or entangle a swimmer.
• Blue-green algae in some reservoirs which are naturally occurring but toxic organisms that can cause serious illness to humans and animals.
• If people do get into difficulty the remote nature of the site can make it hard to get assistance.

South East Water has two reservoirs that are open to the public all year round, and are great places to visit if you love wildlife, enjoy walking or just want some peace and quiet:

• Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex
• Arlington Reservoir in East Sussex

Further information can be found here: southeastwater.co.uk/reservoirs