Yorkshire Water issues important update about its reservoirs

Yorkshire Water has reminded people to stay away from its reservoirs this bank holiday weekend, after several swimmers were spotted risking their safety.
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The utility firm has closed car parks at its reservoirs during the coronavirus lockdown and asked people not to visit them for their own safety and that of its staff.

But lots of people have been ignoring its advice, with some visitors parking dangerously and others seen putting their lives at risk by swimming in the reservoirs.

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Damflask Reservoir in Sheffield. Yorkshire Water has reminded people not to travel to its reservoirs due to the coronavirus pandemicDamflask Reservoir in Sheffield. Yorkshire Water has reminded people not to travel to its reservoirs due to the coronavirus pandemic
Damflask Reservoir in Sheffield. Yorkshire Water has reminded people not to travel to its reservoirs due to the coronavirus pandemic
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In a statement issued on Friday, May 22, Yorkshire Water said: “Since the government guidelines have changed, we’ve been working hard to devise a plan to keep everyone safe while enjoying our beautiful reservoirs. Our key workers visit our reservoirs regularly to do vital engineering checks so we’re putting plans in place to help protect them.

“While we do this, we want to remind everyone to not visit our reservoirs this bank holiday weekend unless you live within walking distance.

“Unfortunately, lots of people are still visiting our reservoirs despite car parks being closed and we’ve had several incidences of people parking inappropriately on roads nearby causing traffic issues. This has caused issues for emergency services, so please don’t visit this weekend and hopefully we’ll be back open soon.

“We have also received several reports of people swimming in our reservoirs this week. Whilst it might be tempting when the weather is hot, please remember that it is not safe to do so. Reservoir temperatures rarely go above 12 degrees and there is no lifeguard around in case something goes wrong.”

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