Legal News

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning the public to be aware of the risks of water and swimming during Drowning Prevention Week, which runs between 18 and 26 June.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service says that reservoirs, lakes, rivers and other inland water may look safe and inviting – especially on a warm day –
but there are hidden dangers below the surface that could cause illness, injury or result in death.

The services says that, even on a warm day, the temperature of the water in a reservoir, quarry or lake can remain very cold – low water temperature can numb limbs and claim lives.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is also warning that, from out of the water or above the water, a swimmer may not be able to see what is under the water – which could include large rocks, machinery, shopping trolleys and dead branches, or even fish hooks or broken fishing line, all of which could cause injury.

Moving water such as rivers may look calm – but could have strong currents below the surface.

Around 400 people drown in the UK every year – and thousands more suffer injury and life changing injury through near-drowning experiences.

Figures show approximately one person dies every 20 hours in the UK – and drowning is also the third highest cause of accidental death of children in the UK.

Drowning Prevention Week aims to teach people how to stay safe near water.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, Gary Coupar, said:

“It may look like an appealing way to cool off, but I would like to encourage people to stay out of the water this summer.

“Even on a warm day the water temperature remains very cold – this can cause cold water shock, which is a physical response that can not only affect your breathing, but will reduce your muscle ability and can even lead to a heart attack.

“Moving water, such as rivers, may look calm – but may have strong currents below the surface, which can carry even strong swimmers into danger.

Also from out of the water, or above, you may not be able to see dangerous obstructions such as large rocks or dead branches that can cause you injury.”
Illness can also result from poorly maintained swimming pools.

Swimming pool water can harbour the bacteria cryptospridium, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as sickness and diarrhoea.

Wild watercourses such as streams or rivers may also harbour bacteria such as E.coli if near grazing lands – animal faeces can infect watercourses and in turn, those who swim in them.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Swimming Pool Accident/Illness Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who suffer injury as a result of swimming pool accidents or illness caused by negligence on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including claims relating to:

• Cryptosporidium
• Drowning accidents (eg no lifeguard present, no lifebelts)
• Falls from height (eg faulty diving boards)
• Cuts and lacerations (eg from broken tiles)
• Slips, trips and falls (eg from slippery surfaces, broken steps).

Personal injury claims have to be made within three years of injury or accident caused by negligence – children can make personal injury claims up to the age of 21.

Duncan Lewis is a leading no win no fee package holiday claims firm.

Duncan Lewis also offers supportive legal advice to bereaved families who loved one has lost their life in a swimming pool accident caused by negligence and who wish to claim compensation.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Swimming Pool Accident/Illness Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.