With only two weeks of the summer holidays left, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council are encouraging young people and their families to enjoy the rest of their break as safely as possible and make the most of the wide range of activities available across the County Borough.
As temperatures remain warm and more talks of another heat wave on the way, young people will inevitably be spending more time outdoors with friends, but there have been reports and concerns raised in the community around dangerous activities including swimming in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, as well as entering derelict and abandoned buildings in RCT.
The Council is asking young people to stay safe and calling on their families to check that they are safe when they are out and about.
While rivers and other open water locations can look very inviting during hot weather, they can also be extremely dangerous.
Many rivers contain strong currents, hidden obstacles, deep water, slippery banks and sudden drops that can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers.
Water temperatures can also be much colder than expected, leading to cold water shock, which can affect breathing and movement.
There has been a number of reports of young people jumping off rocks and platforms and leaving with broken legs – after they discover that the water is MUCH shallower than they thought! That’s not a great back to school look!
Parents and carers are encouraged to speak with their children about the dangers of entering open water and to ensure they understand the risks before heading out with friends.
Whilst you should avoid going into the water, if young people do enter the water, they should:
- Never swim alone.
- Stay with friends and look out for each other.
- Avoid jumping or diving into unknown water.
- Stay away from fast-flowing rivers and weirs.
- Get out immediately if they begin to feel cold or distressed.
- Call 999 and ask for the appropriate emergency service if someone is in difficulty.
If someone gets into trouble in the water:
- Do not enter the water yourself.
- Call 999 immediately.
- Encourage the person to float on their back if they can.
- Throw something that floats or reaches them if it is safe to do so.
Another enticing activity for young people looking to avoid the heat might be entering abandoned or derelict buildings in the community – but the Council is reminding young people of the serious dangers associated with entering vacant, derelict or abandoned buildings, as well as the fact that it’s trespassing and against the law.
Although these locations may appear exciting to explore, they often contain unseen hazards including unstable floors, falling debris, exposed wiring, broken glass, unprotected heights and hazardous materials.
Trespassing in derelict buildings can result in serious injury or even death. Many sites are privately owned and entering them without permission may also constitute an offence and you could be charged with burglary.
Parents are encouraged to discuss these risks with their children and remind them that no social media content, photograph or challenge is worth risking their safety or gaining a criminal record for.
There are plenty of safe, affordable and enjoyable ways for young people to spend the remainder of the summer holidays in RCT.
Young people are encouraged to get involved with activities provided through the Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) and more information can be found by following @YEPSRCT on social media channels.
There are also award winning parks, sports facilities and of course Rhondda Cynon Taf's leisure centres. If that doesn’t fit the bill then thanks to the Council’s summer holiday bus fare initiative, then all single journeys that start and end in Rhondda Cynon Taf will cost no more than £1 (for under 21 year olds) and £1.50 across all operators, then there is much more to explore!
Across the County Borough there are opportunities to:
- Take part in sports and physical activities.
- Attend youth sessions and events.
- Meet friends and enjoy local parks and green spaces.
- Use leisure centre facilities including free swimming*, fitness and recreational activities.
These activities provide fun, opportunities to make friends, learn new skills and stay active throughout the summer.
Cllr Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
"We want everyone to enjoy the final weeks of the summer holidays, make great memories and spend time with friends and family. However, we are urging young people to think carefully about the choices they make and to understand the risks associated with open water and derelict buildings.
"A moment's decision can have life-changing consequences. There are plenty of safe and exciting activities available across Rhondda Cynon Taf through YEPS, our parks and our leisure centres.
"We would also encourage residents to report concerns about anti-social behaviour or dangerous activity so that agencies can take action before somebody gets hurt.
"Our message is simple: have fun, enjoy your summer and, most importantly, stay safe."
For information about YEPS activities, local parks, leisure centres and events taking place during the summer holidays, visit the Council's website at www.rctcbc.gov.uk and follow @YEPSRCT @RCTCouncil or @RCTLeisureservice social media channels.
Posted on 12/08/2026