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season. Causing increasing concern is the fact that the frequency of the tragedies appears to be accelerating
– and that was before this morning’s shock news. Meanwhile Dr Young told the press conference that recent expert surveys of three lakes – Buttermere, Bassenthwaite and Thirlmere
– appear to show a hitherto hidden and sinister cause. The scientist conducting those surveys, leading hydrographer Professor Brian Parker, had this to say.’
    Seb pointed almost fiercely at Jess and the second tape began to play. Parker’s flat, Lancastrian vowels filled Seb’s earphones as they simultaneously rippled across the entire
nation.
    ‘Morning, ladies and gentlemen, I’ll keep my remarks as free of jargon as I can. As you know, the entire UK has been enduring – I think we can all agree that’s the
appropriate word for it now – exceptional high temperatures for many weeks. Not only has there been no rainfall, there has been virtually no cloud cover. So the sun has been shining more or
less unbroken from sunrise to sunset, and at a time of year when it is at its highest point in the sky.
    ‘As you would expect, this has directly resulted in a rapid warming of the lakes, which to some extent is normal at this time of year. However, the heat, which as I say has continued
without even the briefest of interruptions, has resulted in an exceptional effect – one I doubt has occurred here in living memory.
    ‘The entire upper surface of these waters has now been superheated to a remarkable degree. The lack of any significant breeze has denied the possibility of any wind-chill effect and
nights have been exceptionally warm. Each successive day the sun’s rays strike the waters, for hours at a time, so the temperature inexorably rises a little further.
    ‘This produces a dangerously misleading effect for swimmers, because however far they venture out into the lake, they feel they are surrounded by pleasant, balmy water. As indeed they
are.
    ‘But, what they do
not
realise is that these conditions are what we might describe as skin-deep. Directly beneath the superheated layer lies a body of water that is almost as
cold as it is in mid-winter. In itself, that is not necessarily dangerous. Many hardy swimmers take to the lakes in winter and are invigorated by the experience. The danger comes in the absolute
contrast between moving from the unprecedented surface warmth to the freezing cold just beneath it.
    ‘It is the coroner’s belief – and I concur – that these deaths are occurring when strong, confident swimmers decide to dip down deeper below the surface and encounter
the intensely cold water that lies there. They may gasp in shock – hence the inhalation of water and subsequent drowning – or, in other cases, suffer a cardiac arrest.’
    The second tape spooled out and Seb was speaking again.
    ‘The coroner acknowledged that swimmers, particularly strong ones, might still be tempted by the unprecedentedly warm waters to venture further into the lakes than is usual. He had
this message for them.’
    He pointed towards Jess for the last time, and Timothy Young’s calm, clear tones returned.
    ‘It doesn’t matter how good a swimmer you may be: if you move from the upper warmth into the deadly cold immediately beneath, it could be the last thing you ever do; your body
will respond automatically to the shock. As coroner for Kendal, and all the beautiful Lakeland countryside that surrounds it, I have no wish to preside over one more of these immensely sad
incidents. I implore
all
swimmers – please, stay close to the shore.’
    Seb was back at the mic.
    ‘This is SEB Richmond reporting live from Kendal for Lake District FM, and Network News.’
    The red transmission light winked out and Jess grinned at him.
    ‘What did I tell you? Piece of piss.’

CHAPTER SEVEN
    ‘This is Seb Richmond reporting live from Kendal for Lake District FM, and Network News.’
    Meriel switched the Mercedes’ radio