Family spotted playing in dangerous Shrewsbury weir
A family and a man with a walking stick were spotted in the Shrewsbury weir, just days after a new warning from the widow of a man who died in the River Severn.
As temperatures soar, swimmers are continuing to risk the dangers of the river.
A family with small children were spotted playing in the weir at the weekend, and a man with a walking stick was seen crossing it.
Kirsty Walsh, widow of Shane Walsh who died in the river last year, said: "It's happening up and down the country, it's not just Shrewsbury, it's absolutely ludicrous.
"Adults need to be educated to pass down the knowledge about the dangers to children.
"Everybody thinks that because it's so hot the water is hot too, but we know that's not true.
"I don't understand why people would go in the water when you have public facilities like the swimming pool.
"The river is disgusting, I don't get the appeal. How many bodies have been in that water, I wouldn't want to get in when there have been bodies in there."
Mrs Walsh added: "I would be absolutely mortified if my children went into the water.
"I've already buried my husband, I don't want to bury my children.
"Before Shane died I had no idea about the dangers of the water and of cold water shock."
Shrewsbury Police tweeted warning people to stay away from the weir.
The tweet said: "Sadly we have just been called out to Shrewsbury weir after reports of a young family swimming and a male with a walking stick trying to cross it! Please be reminded it's not safe."
Mrs Walsh is now an ambassador for West Mercia Search and Rescue.
For more information about water safety visit https://westmerciasar.org.uk/
