During the recent heatwave in May, 17 people lost their lives in just 8 days across the UK while swimming in open water - a current trend known as “wild swimming”. Most of the victims were teenagers and young people. When the weather gets hot, open water looks inviting but swimming in open water without lifeguards is extremely dangerous.

The Hidden Killers in Open Water

● Cold Water Shock: Even if the air temperature is more than 30°C, British lakes, rivers, and reservoirs stay dangerously cold. Jumping in can cause an automatic gasp reflex, inhaling water directly into your lungs, followed by rapid muscle failure.

● Hidden Danger Zones: Hidden currents, sudden drops in depth, weeds that can trap your legs, and sharp pollution/machinery are completely invisible from the surface.

● No Lifeguards: If you get into trouble in an unsupervised spot, there is no one trained to help you.

Remember this: if you fall in or get into trouble, do not panic and do not try to swim hard straight away. FLOAT FIRST.

1. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.

2. Relax and try to breathe normally.

3. Move your hands and legs gently to help you stay afloat.

4. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

 

 

 

Where to Swim Safely in Harrow & Hillingdon

Never swim in un-lifeguarded canals, rivers, lakes, reservoirs or quarries. Only swim in official, fully lifeguarded pools.

Safe Outdoor & Open Water Options

● Hillingdon Lido (at Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex): This iconic, heated 50-metre outdoor pool is fully lifeguarded and safe for summer swimming. You can check timetables and book via the Better Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex Website.

● Merchant Taylors' School Lake (Moor Park / Harrow Border): An official Love Open Water venue. It features a fully lifeguarded, designated open-water swimming course with regular water quality testing. (Note: You must book online and swim during supervised sessions). https://www.atwevents.co.uk/e/open-water-swimming-at-merchant-taylors-school-8890

● Ruislip Lido, River Pinn, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Pinner Memorial Park lake: none of these places are approved or safe to swim due to deep mud, hidden hazards, pollution and the absence of lifeguards. Do not enter the water in any of these places.

Safe Indoor Swimming Pools

● Harrow Centres: To find safe, lifeguarded indoor pools near you—including Harrow Leisure Centre and Hatch End Swimming Pool—visit the Everyone Active Harrow Pools Hub.

● Hillingdon Centres: For indoor pools across the borough (including Botwell Green and Highgrove), check out the full directory on the Better Hillingdon Leisure Centres Directory.

In an emergency

If you see someone in trouble in the water, do not jump in to save them. This puts you in danger too. Some of the recent deaths were people trying to rescue others.

● Call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service (if inland) or the Coastguard (if at the coast).

● Look around for a nearby throw-line or lifebuoy to toss to them.

● Shout the “float first” instructions to them

● Never jump in to save pets