Ullswater: water temperature is still low after one of the coldest winters for decades
Safety experts today warned of the dangers of venturing into one of the Lake District’s most popular stretches of water during the warm weather.
The Ullswater Lake Safety and Rescue Association said water in the lake is still very cold despite early April warmth.
Ullswater may not be as warm as people think following one of the coldest winters for more than 30 years, and the ill prepared could be caught out.
The association, which is backed by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and includes the Outward Bound Trust; Ullswater Yacht Club; the Lake District National Park Authority and Ullswater Steamers, said anyone accidentally going under the water will find themselves gasping for breath and the cold is likely to leave them unable to scramble back into a boat.
People need to dress to cope with the water temperature, with buoyancy aids or lifejackets being vital for anyone facing the slightest possibility of falling under water. In addition the safety experts warn that Ullswater has two special dangers.
A spokesperson said: “The lake bed shelves extremely quickly in places and people just out for a paddle have often ended up in very deep water with tragic results. Ullswater has unpredictable squally winds so inflatable boats or toys should be tethered to the shore and restricted to shallow water.”
In the event of any lake emergency people are urged to immediately dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, which has responsibility for Ullswater.
Earlier this month, Samuel John Yarwood, of Poole, Dorset, died after the twin kayak he was in with a friend capsized on the lake after setting out from Sandwick Bay.
Last year, Mark Bryant, Chad Salisbury and Tony Thwaites all died in the lake in separate incidents.
Everyone involved with ULSARA’s safety and rescue work are volunteers, but funds are needed for equipment required in connection with the charity’s work. People wishing to offer support are invited to send donations to ULSARA , c/o The Outward Bound Trust, Ullswater Centre, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JL.
