School trip children see Swinton canal rescue first-hand

Swinton Lock Activity Centre took more than a dozen Brownies and Rainbows members on an hour-long ride on the charity’s two boats on Monday evening.

But shortly after being given their safety talk, volunteers Danny Epton, Les Hartley and Darren Lucas had to save a man who had jumped in at Mexborough top lock.

Swinton Lock chief executive Jayne Senior said: “The children on the boats weren’t frightened because we always begin with the talk. But they don’t normally see a demonstration so soon after!

“Our trips are partly about environment and wildlife but there’s always an introductory talk about water safety.

“We always make sure to say no matter how inviting the water might be, it’s extremely dangerous — not only because its filthy and there’s diseases but because of what can be in the water itself.”

The man who jumped in during Monday’s warm weather had apparently become stuck in silt but was rescued safely — minus his shoes.

“He was lucky that was all he lost,” said Jayne. “Afterwards, he just said: ‘That wasn’t the best idea I’ve had, was it?’

“No matter how tempting, we can’t stress enough not to jump in.”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue warned the public that rivers, lakes and canals can be much colder than expected and open water can carry water-borne diseases.

Area manager Steve Helps, said: “We regularly receive 999 calls in the summer about people getting into difficulty in water, so it’s only a matter of time before someone’s safety is really put at risk unless people listen to our advice. 

“It can be tempting to cool off in the summer months, but stick to a swimming pool. 

“Hundreds of people drown each year in the UK and places like rivers, lakes or flooded quarries are completely unsuitable for swimming as they hide a number of hidden dangers.”