Do not swim in reservoirs, warns Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water urged people not to swim in reservoirs

A water company has urged people not to swim in reservoirs over the bank holiday - with the dry summer making them especially dangerous.

Yorkshire Water warned low reservoir levels had revealed sinking mud and exposed structures, while there was also the risk of cold water shock.

The warning comes as temperatures were forecast to rise on Monday, with highs of up to 27C expected in parts of Yorkshire.

Head of brand and communications Aimee Linfoot said: "Reservoirs can look like places that you might want to go and have a quick dip, but we would say please do not do that and don't be tempted.

"They are big volumes of water and they have hidden currents underneath them, sudden drops, and we have lots of equipment underneath that's taking the water out of the reservoirs and sending it down our network of pipe."

With the water levels falling at the company's reservoirs during the summer, Ms Linfoot said: "There might be what look like sandy beaches but it's very wet mud that people can get stuck in and there's exposed structures as well.

"They're not safe to go on and there's lots of signage warning people not to go down there.

"We just really encourage people to stick to the public footpath and go and enjoy those really lovely walks around the reservoir and not be tempted to go in. "

Yorkshire Water advised people against exploring submerged structures in reservoirs

She said structures at two reservoirs - a sunken bridge at Batings and a submerged village at Thruscross - had been revealed due to the dry weather, but they were not safe to explore.

"Look at them from afar and walk past them on the footpaths but please don't be tempted to go on them," she said.

Yorkshire Water lead countryside and woodland adviser Alastair Harvey said the company's ranger teams would be at reservoirs to assist people.

He said: "Sadly, we've seen incidents this year in Yorkshire where people have lost their lives in reservoirs and other open water.

"Following the Countryside Code and keeping out of the water will help to make trips to our reservoirs safe and enjoyable for everyone."

The company also urged people not to use disposable barbecues or start fires, to take litter home and to keep dogs on leads, especially around livestock.

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