SOUTH Yorkshire fire and rescue are urging the public not to swim in lakes and reservoirs ahead of the warm bank holiday weekend.
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue says it attends dozens of water related incidents each year. Most are flooding or animal related, but others involve rescuing people from open water- particularly during hot weather.
Safety officers say people should avoid open water- like rivers and lakes- because they may not always be aware of the danger it poses.
River flows can be unpredictable and water is often deeper, colder and faster than expected. People should enjoy water safely in swimming pools or safer, specialist facilities instead.
Area Manager Steve Helps, said: "It can be tempting to cool off in the summer months, but stick to a swimming pool. Hundreds of people drown each year in the UK and places like rivers, lakes or flooded quarries are completely unsuitable for swimming as they hide a number of hidden dangers.”
