On a hot day, it might seem like a great idea to cool down in open water. However, swimming in canals and rivers is dangerous.
Swimming is prohibited because there are too many risks that you can't see hidden below the surface, and lots of other ways you can cool down with two feet on the towpath.
Depth perception
Canals are often shallow, which you can't tell from the surface. If you jump in you are likely to injure yourself, possibly seriously
However, don't be fooled by thinking that all canals are shallow. If you can't put your feet on the ground, it'll be much harder to get out. Rivers, reservoirs and docks are generally much deeper, and colder
Hidden dangers under the water
Canals are havens for wildlife and maintaining water habitats are an important part of our work. If you're in the water, reeds and other plant life could get tangled around your limbs and trap you in the water making it very difficult to climb out
Sadly, rubbish like shopping trolleys can be lurking below the surface of canals and rivers. If you're 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, like a trolley or even a motorbike
Cold temperatures
Even on a hot day inland waterways will be colder than you think, particularly reservoirs and docks as they're deeper. The sudden exposure to cold water can cause a number of involuntary bodily reactions - this is cold water shock.
Waterborne diseases, including Weil's Disease (leptospirosis), are extremely rare, but if you are swimming you're most exposed to them. If you are likely to come into contact with water it's sensible to take a few precautions:
If you've got any cuts or scratches, keep them covered
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
Canal water is untreated water and so may contain pollution, biological or chemical contaminants. Please bear this in mind when you come into contact with the water and follow basic hygiene measures.
