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Dive in and die

Looks peaceful, but dangers lie beneath

The wildlife's at risk too

Calls for people to stop swimming in Exeter Canal have been made, following incidents that have raised concerns about safety.

 

Signs warning about the dangers of drowning as well as disturbance to wildlife have been erected; a move backed by the fire service and the Environment Agency.

 

Councillor David Harvey says concerns over safety have led to the new signs around the canal basin and at other points along the waterway to prevent injury or even loss of life. “No-one likes to be a kill-joy but the fact of the matter is that the canal is not a safe place to be swimming in or jumping into." he says.

 

“People can’t always see what they are jumping into and there are also significant risks from the propellers of boats. Taking in water may be harmful and there is a threat to wildlife, especially nesting birds.”

 

An Environment Agency spokesperson adds: “In hot weather it may be tempting to cool off in the water, but weirs and flood defences are not safe places to play. People should always respect the water, no matter what the location.”

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