Youngsters warned of Llanelli reservoir's deadly risks
YOUNGSTERS swimming in a Llanelli reservoir were today warned that they could be dicing with death.
Llanelli Rural Council leader Giles Morgan said he believes Swiss Valley reservoir is more dangerous now than ever.
"I would urge kids to stay out of the water," he said.
"It is much more dangerous than it used to be. The reeds have grown and if a child got tangled up in them they could panic and drown."
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The warning comes just weeks after a 14-year-old boy died at Cilyrychen Quarry, near Ammanford.
Luke Somerfield, who lived in Ffairfach, and was a pupil at Ysgol Tre-Gib in Llandeilo, had to be pulled by emergency services from the water in June this year.
Mr Morgan urged parents to warn their children of the perils of Swiss Valley reservoir.
"Parents need to get involved in this as well.
"They need to tell their children that if they swim in the water and panic it is an accident waiting to happen."
Welsh Water is also reminding young people in Wales that swimming in reservoirs can kill. Spokeswoman Helen Smith, said: "Every year, somewhere in the UK, people drown when swimming in reservoirs.
"It's happened in Wales in recent times and there is a real danger during this forecasted hot and dry weather that people will be tempted to risk taking a swim.
"While they might seem like a great place to cool off they are full of hidden dangers."
Deep
She said the dangers include automatic equipment located under the surface of the water which can sometimes operate without obvious warning. The water is also very cold and deep, so that even strong swimmers can find themselves in difficulty.
Ms Smith added that most reservoirs are in remote locations, with little or no mobile phone reception, so the chance of rescue was greatly reduced.
Welsh Water has also produced a hard-hitting film, which reminds children and their parents of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs.
shaun.greaney@swwmedia.co.uk
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