'Reckless' teens caught jumping into Lancashire reservoirs and ignoring social distancing guidelines

Firefighters have labelled the actions of a group of a teenagers who were caught jumping into reservoirs in Lancashire as "extremely dangerous".
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Fire crews were called to Healey Nab near Chorley after a camp fire was "recklessly" started by a man close to woodland yesterday (May 20).

As firefighters responded to the incident, they caught a group of teenagers who "were not complying with social distancing" and jumping into open water at Heapey Reservoirs.

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Fire chiefs in Lancashire have described their actions as "extremely dangerous", warning that swimming in reservoirs "can lead to death".

Shaun Walton, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Whilst at Heapey Nab we also provided advice to groups of teenagers not complying with social distancing and jumping into open water at Heapey Reservoirs.

"This is extremely dangerous behaviour and can lead to death.

"Do you know where your teenagers are today?"

The teenagers were "provided advice" from firefighters about their actions.

A group of teenagers who "were not complying with social distancing" were caughtjumping into open water at Heapey Reservoirs. (Credit: @Walton_FIRE)A group of teenagers who "were not complying with social distancing" were caughtjumping into open water at Heapey Reservoirs. (Credit: @Walton_FIRE)
A group of teenagers who "were not complying with social distancing" were caughtjumping into open water at Heapey Reservoirs. (Credit: @Walton_FIRE)

It is not known if they will face any further punishment.

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A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "This afternoon our firefighters have responded to an incident at Healey Nab where a male was found to have started a fire in the wooded area.

"Whilst there we also came across to groups of teens swimming.

"These are both really reckless activities and are putting lives at risk."

Why is it dangerous to swim in reservoirs?

Reservoirs may look inviting, especially on a hot day, but they are about the worst possible places to take a swim, according to United Utilities:

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- The water never really gets above 11°C, there’s hidden machinery and there’s no lifeguard on duty

- Reservoirs are often in isolated places

- There may be hidden currents

- There may be hidden obstacles beneath the surface

- It may be difficult to get out

- There might be blue green algae in the water

To find out more about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs, click HERE.