Remember, remember, especially in November, don't swim in our Reservoirs.

Although our reservoirs are picturesque at dusk and dawn, the water can bedangerous and each reservoir has different rules to follow to be safe.

Any open body of water can be dangerous, but our reservoirs pose even more of a risk with the equipment we use to abstract the water.

At our Arlington reservoir, it is not permitted for anyone to swim or undertake water-based activities. However, you can enjoy The Osprey Walk around the reservoir.

Our reservoir in Ardingly is different, but it can still be dangerous, especially in colder months where it is easy for the temperature of the water to fall well below 15°C. Entering the water below this could result in cold water shock.

What is cold water shock?

According to the RNLI, cold water shock causes the blood vessels in the skin to close, which increases the resistance of blood flow.

The heart rate increases, putting immense strain on the heart and causing the blood pressure to rise, which could eventually lead to a heart attack.

The sudden temperature change also causes an instinctive gasp for breath. Breathing rates can change uncontrollably, sometimes increasing as much as tenfold. All these responses contribute to panicking, increasing the chance of drowning.

It only takes half a pint of water to enter the lungs for a fully grown man to start drowning.

How to be safe at Ardingly

Following reports on social media of unpermitted activities at Ardingly reservoir, we spoke to our Head of Health and Safety, who said: "We do not permit any water-based activities at any of our reservoirs unless organised through an official activity.

"The Ardingly activity centre is the only official route to swim/kayak at our reservoir, as they put in place all the safety measures as part of their official capacity.

"The reason we do not permit swimming is due to the hazards of machinery and equipment lying under the surface.

"Reservoirs have pumps, valves and pipework hidden from the plain site."

For more information on the risks of open water - please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks(opens in a new tab)