Stay Away from Weirs and Sluices
Weirs, locks and sluices can be very dangerous – once trapped in them it can become impossible to escape
These videos from the Environment Agency explains why all rowers – no matter how experienced they are – should stay away from weirs and sluices (as well as locks and bridges) to keep themselves and others safe.
— Environment Agency (@EnvAgency)
Never climb, play or swim in or around sluices. They open and close automatically without warning and when they do, they will sweep you away in a dangerous rush of water.
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— EnvAgencyAnglia (@EnvAgencyAnglia)
This video from the Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service demonstrates why swimming near a weir is so dangerous.
If you see someone in trouble in the water, the Environment Agency’s advice is:
- Call 999
- Tell them to float on their back
- Throw them something that floats.
And as explained in the next video about the effects of cold water shock, if you find yourself in trouble in the water:
- Stop swimming
- Lean back and float #FloatToLive
- Gain control of your breathing and then assess whether you can rescue yourself.
if you get into difficulty.
— Environment Agency (@EnvAgency)