Dispersal order put in place around Greater Manchester reservoir in bid to stop swimmers

The dispersal order is in place around Audenshaw Reservoir. Credit: ITV Granada Reports

A dispersal order has been put in place around a Greater Manchester reservoir in a bid to stop people from swimming in the water.

The order, at Audenshaw Reservoir in Tameside, allows police to ask anyone within the area to leave and not return for a specified time frame.

Announcing the measure Greater Manchester Police (GMP) urged parents to speak with their children about open water safety.

It warned: "The waters can be tempting during these prolonged periods of dry and warm weather, but the risks of injury and death in open water are very real."

People are already banned from swimming in the waters, owned by United Utilities, but the order makes it illegal.

It follows the death of 15-year-old Abbie Walton who died after being found in the River Etherow, in Broadbottom, also in Tameside, on Wednesday 14 June.

Girl who died after getting into difficulty in river had 'kindest soul'
Flowers and tributes were left at the riverbank in Broadbottom where 15-year-old Abbie Walton died. Credit: MEN Media

A post on the GMP Tameside Facebook page it asked parents to remind their children not to swim in open water.

It said: "Following yesterday's tragic incident in Broadbottom where a young person has drowned as a result of swimming in a nearby river, we are urging all parents to speak with their children regarding open water safety.

"Ensuring they are keeping out of all rivers, ponds, reservoirs, canals and any other bodies of water.

"The waters can be tempting during these prolonged periods of dry and warm weather, but the risks of injury and death in open water are very real."

It then listed a number of guidelines:

  • Never jumping into or swimming in open water (including reservoirs, rivers, canals and ponds). Cold Water Shock can kill in 60 seconds, you never know what's lurking beneath the surface, and under-water currents can be deadly.

  • Letting someone know where you are going and when you are coming back, if possible

  • Taking any warning or safety signs seriously

  • Looking out for hazards around water and sticking to proper pathways

  • Never entering the water to rescue your dog - who will rescue you?

  • Our sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and local communities affected by this tragic incident.

Officers shared a map of the area covered by the dispersal order. Credit: Greater Manchester Police

Describing the order, the force added: "Authority granted to direct any person who is in a public place in the locality of Audenshaw Reservoir, bordered by Corporation Road, Stamford Road, Taylor Lane and the M60 to - a) leave the locality (or part of the locality), and b) not to return to the locality (or part of the locality) for the period specified.

"This area is privately owned land and no member of the public has authority to enter. 13 Dispersal Notices have already been issued.

"The waters can be tempting during these prolonged periods of dry and warm weather, but the risks of injury and death in open water are very real."

A stark warning was also issued about the dangers of open water after 15-year-old Erin Madden died at a popular beauty spot in St Helens on 2 June.

The teenager died at Carr Mill Dam after "getting into distress" in the water.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue also criticised dozens spotted jumping into water at a quayside in an attempt to cool off - despite water safety warnings.

The groups were seen jumping from bridges and the water's edge into Salford Quays as temperatures rose to as high as 30C across the weekend.