People in Lichfield and Burntwood are being warned to stay safe during the warm spell of weather.
Staffordshire County Council is urging residents not to cool off in open water as temperatures soar.
The warning comes after recent deaths in Stowe Pool and Chasewater.
Cllr Gill Heath said: “The death of Carl Storer in Chasewater was both a tragic and timely reminder of how people can quickly get into difficulties.
“With schools breaking up for the summer and warmer weather on the way we are calling for parents to remind their children of the dangers, and are warning people not to be tempted to cool off in open water.
“Swimming in open water is completely different to swimming in a safe, controlled swimming pool and can be very dangerous.
“People wanting to take up open water swimming should only do so with organised groups and experienced instructors.
“We want people to have a safe and enjoyable time this summer and would certainly encourage people to swim in one of the many public pools across Staffordshire.”
Sometimes, just sometimes, words fail me.
Staffs County want people to swim in safe, controlled swimming pools on the one hand but then force closure of the only public pool in Lichfield City on the other.
If it wasn’t so serious it would be funny.
“Swimming in open water is completely different to swimming in a safe, controlled swimming pool and can be very dangerous.
Problem here is that if the Friary Leisure Centre closes next April, future generations will not know that “swimming in open water is completely different to swimming in a safe, controlled swimming pool and can be very dangerous”.
Oh the irony!
Lichfield residents can swim safely this summer at Friary Grange Leisure Centre – NEXT SUMMER this wont be available due to the actions of Staffordshire County Council, Lichfield District Council and Friary School. Sort it out please !! Its all taxpayers money, as are the NHS and emergency services who have to turn out when things go wrong in open water.
“We want people to have a safe and enjoyable time this summer and would certainly encourage people to swim in one of the many public pools across Staffordshire.”
But not one anywhere near Lichfield. I have always suspected a certain amount of jealousy from our County town because of Lichfields once held status. It sometimes manifests itself in subtle rebuffs. Our last remaining pool now disappearing being just one of them.