Swimmers warned of river danger

A river rescue team in Gloucestershire is warning people to stay out of the River Severn.

The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) said people should be aware of the dangers of swimming in the river during the hot weather.

The warning comes a few days after 17-year-old Tom Ballard drowned while swimming with friends in a stretch of the water in Worcestershire.

SARA provides in-shore rescue boat and land search services for the Severn.

Geoff Dawe, of SARA, said: "With the hot weather - there are lots of children about. They may be used to the seaside where they can go into the water with reasonable safety.

"Here on the River Severn - to go near the water is absolutely insane because we have fast tides, we have mud banks which can trap people.

"The tides coupled with the mud and sand banks are treacherous. This river has the second highest rise and fall of tide in the world.

"Obviously children like to play near water but not here - the River Severn is not the place."

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Severn Area Rescue Association
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