Police warn Sutton reservoir swimmers

Visitors have been flocking to Sutton Reservoir, off Leek Old Road, during the spate of hot weather – but some have literally been taking to the water and swimming.

Local residents have reported visitors cooling off in the water – ignoring the signs, as well as leaving piles of rubbish.

A Cheshire police spokesman said: “The dangers of swimming in reservoirs are there could be deep currents from machinery underneath, dangerous obstacles you can’t see and it can be deep and deceptive.

”The signs are there for a reason and that’s simply it’s not safe to swim here. We will be patrolling regularly around here at different times and days. The rubbish that has been left was absolutely disgusting. Some kind members of the community cleaned it up and they shouldn’t have to.”

Periods of good weather during the pandemic have seen large numbers of visitors to areas in and around Macclesfield Forest – with problems of overcrowding, parking and litter.

This latest warning echoes one from 12 months ago when people were seen swimming in reservoirs – including a group of naked men in Ridgegate Reservoir, near Langley.

Charity the Canal and River Trust says the water will be very cold, often paralysing muscles and taking people’s breath away.

Andrea Barrett, from the trust, said: “Spending time by the water is a lovely way to enjoy a summer’s day, and our canals, rivers and reservoirs are excellent places for families to visit and cool down.

“But it’s really important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of going into the water. The consequences can be devastating. Inland waterways can look really inviting but you can’t tell what is below the surface. The water is often murky, and you won’t be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the w