Derbyshire firefighters shocked to find families enjoying 'leisurely afternoon by river' amid lockdown crisis

Crews have joined Derbyshire police in calls for people to stay away from river banks this weekend to stay safe and adhere to the governments Covid-19 advice.

Firefighters were water rescue training at Milford Weir on the River Derwent yesterday when they came across several families with small children in wet suits paddling in the water.

Group Manager Paul Hawker said: “I’m stunned to hear that during a global pandemic people are venturing out to the riverside to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

MORE: Nets have been put on statues at Chatsworth House - this is why

“Not only is this against all the advice being issued by government to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to protect lives; the river itself is a dangerous place to be, especially for small children.

“It only takes a minute for a child, or an adult, to get into trouble in a river. Fast flowing hidden currents can easily sweep someone off their feet, especially a small child, and hidden objects, such as rocks and weeds, can easily cause someone to get trapped.

MORE: Work to begin at landmark Chesterfield town centre development despite coronavirus

“In July 2018 a 25-year-old man tragically died at a well-known spot on the River Derwent, known locally as Pebble Beach, after becoming trapped in the weir. This underlines just how dangerous the river can be, especially for small children.

“With the sun set to shine again this weekend we are asking people to stay safe, stay at home and keep away from rivers and other open waterways.”

Senior Derbyshire police officers urged people to ‘think really hard before taking part in these type of activities’.

Superintendent Steve Pont said: “We understand the temptation of heading out to bodies of water in the warm weather.

“However, in the current climate we would ask people if this is something that they have to do and if it is in fact the most sensible course of action.

“Dependent on the situation you may be breaching the coronavirus legislation and, if not, then you will almost certainly not be following the request of our colleagues in the NHS to stay at home and save lives.”