NI Water has issued an urgent safety appeal, urging the public to avoid all water-based activities at its reservoir sites, including Lough Shannagh, Silent Valley Mountain Park, Ben Crom and Spelga Dam.

The warning follows recent reports from NI Water rangers of unsafe behaviour at Lough Shannagh, such as swimming, diving and paddle boarding. The utility also expressed concern that videos of these activities on social media may encourage others to copy them.

NI Water's facilities senior manager Patricia McKee commented: "Our policy isn't about stopping enjoyment; it's about preventing tragedy. The dangers associated with the activities witnessed and reported are significant. Having watched these online videos myself, our fear is that others may imitate them, and it could only be a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or worse.

"Under no circumstances should anyone attempt or participate in any water activities at our reservoirs, as doing so may result in severe danger or loss of life. Posting about these activities online irresponsibly promotes dangerous behaviour that could cost lives."

Although reservoirs can appear calm and inviting, they conceal serious hazards, including very cold water temperatures, strong currents, sudden changes in depth, submerged debris and equipment, and steep, slippery banks that make getting out difficult. NI Water stressed these are operational sites, not places for recreational water use, and even confident swimmers can be caught out by cold water shock and unseen obstacles. Patricia added: "Statistics from the Water Incident Database (WAID), developed by the National Water Safety Forum, show that inland open waters like reservoirs are leading sites for accidental drowning, with recreational activities accounting for almost half of deaths. This underscores the need for vigilance and respect when near our waterways. Please always heed safety signs and behave responsibly."

Key safety reminders include: reservoir water remains extremely cold even in warm weather; powerful underwater currents can overpower strong swimmers; reservoirs are often deeper than expected; hidden hazards such as debris, weeds and mechanical equipment can trap or injure; and there are no lifeguards on duty.

Guidance from the National Water Safety Forum advises: if you get into difficulty, Float to Live—lean back, use your arms and legs to float, control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. If you see someone in trouble, call 999. If at the coast, ask for the coastguard; if inland, request the fire service.

For clarity, NI Water's Recreation & Access Guidance states, "Swimming activity by members of the public is strictly not permitted at any NI Water owned publicly accessible site / reservoir. This includes all reservoirs, whether currently in use or out of use". Further information on staying safe around NI Water reservoirs is available at: www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/community/ni-water-reservoirs