Contact: Tel: Fax: E-Mail: Web: Our Ref/Your Ref: Date:
Doncaster Council 01302 736000 01302 737510 Customer.services@doncaster.gov.uk
www.Doncaster.gov.uk 13 July 2012
Dear Parent/Guardian Dangers of Open Water As the summer holidays are fast approaching Doncaster Council wish to raise awareness of the dangers around going into and onto open water. During the summer month’s people can be attracted to open water including lakes, ponds, rivers, canals and quarries. Obviously this raises significant safety concerns for us. You may be aware that over the last few years there have been a number of tragic deaths due to people entering lakes and rivers in the Yorkshire area. The main dangers when entering open water is that the water is very cold which can cause cramp, and may result in individuals being unable to swim or walk which could cause drowning. The depth of water and what is under the surface is unknown in most cases and could result in the person being seriously injured. There are also dangers from biological and or toxic hazards, which can cause diseases. We are urging all parents and guardians to speak to their children and raise their awareness of the dangers and ask them not to enter any open water, especially during the summer holidays. Open water may appear inviting, but it is dangerous and we do not want another tragedy in the area. Please help us to help keep your child/children safe this summer by passing this message onto your child/children and encourage them to take part in organised activities across the borough. To find out what’s on in your area log onto www.doncaster.gov/whatson Yours sincerely
Pat Hagan Head of Service (Communities)
Doncaster Council PO Box 257, The Council House, College Road, Doncaster, DN1 1RN