Summer water safety
On a hot day, it might seem like a great idea to cool down in open water. However, swimming and jumping into the water in our ports, docks and harbours is really dangerous and strictly prohibited. It is considered trespassing to enter the port or the dock.
Docks are not a safe place to swim. There are risks from hidden dangers beneath the water. They are often busy industrial centres. And they generally have steep walls, which make it difficult to escape the water. Here’s why these areas are particularly hazardous:
Active operational areas
Docks are often bustling with activity, including the movement of heavy machinery, loading and unloading of ships and various other port operations. Even when it might not seem that the docks are that busy, there’s often activity going on that’s not obvious to the public. These activities are hazardous, and there is a risk of being struck by moving vessels or equipment if you are in the vicinity without proper training, PPE or authorisation.
Vessel and vehicle movements make it even more dangerous to be in the water as there may be sudden and strong currents generated by these operations.
Deep water
The water in dock areas can be very deep. This poses a particular risk for swimmers, especially if they are not strong swimmers or are unfamiliar with deep-water swimming. The depth can make it difficult for anyone in trouble to signal for help or be quickly rescued.
Hidden dangers under the water
Sadly, rubbish like shopping trolleys, or old structures and equipment can be lurking below the surface of the water. These hidden dangers can cause serious injuries or entrapment.
If you jump into or are swimming in the water you could injure yourself by cutting yourself on a rusty old bicycle or broken glass, or get trapped on a larger piece of rubbish, old equipment or infrastructure.
Cold Water Shock
Even on a hot day, the water in docks will be colder than you think. The sudden exposure to cold water can seriously affect your breathing and movement – this is cold water shock and can seriously affect even a strong swimmer’s ability to swim, leading to their getting into difficulty and significantly increasing the risk of drowning.
See more information from the RLSS about what cold water can do to your body.
Waterborne diseases
Water in docks is untreated water and so may contain pollution, biological or chemical contaminants. Waterborne diseases, including Weil's Disease (leptospirosis), are extremely rare, but if you are swimming you're most exposed to them. Please bear this in mind if you come into contact with dock water and follow basic hygiene measures.
If you have come into contact with dock water, it's sensible to take a few precautions:
- If you fall in, take a shower and treat cuts with antiseptic and a sterile dressing
- Wash wet clothing before you wear it again
- If you develop flu-like symptoms within two weeks, see a doctor and mention that you fell in the water. Not all doctors will know to look for signs of Weil's Disease, so do suggest it as a possibility
Tides
The tidal nature of the water around many of our ports means that water levels and currents can change rapidly and unpredictably. Tides can create strong undercurrents and rip tides that can easily sweep swimmers away from safety.
If you do find yourself in difficulty, think Float to Live:
On your back with your arms and legs spread. You will float with your ears submerged.
If you see someone in trouble in the water dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
For more information on Float to Live visit the website https://rnli.org/safety/float.
Additional resources:
ABP promoting water safety
ABP is making significant efforts to warn people of the dangers of swimming in our ports. This includes regular community engagement events, such as the annual Water Safety Day held in Barrow. Learn more about the event: