If you are thinking about diving into the River Dee to cool off in this balmy weather, you may want to think again.
There have been reports of swimmers plunging themselves into the waters around Chester with temperatures soaring and the summer holidays about to begin.
But Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have been stressing the dangers of taking a dip in the open water.
Their warning reaches out to children and teenagers in particular.
The issue has taken on national prominence after the death of a 16-year-old boy near Manchester.
Jack Pullen, from Hyde, sadly drowned after getting into difficulty while with friends in the River Etherow.
'The water may look calm on the surface'
A Cheshire Fire statement said: “The water may look calm on the surface, but there can be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water.
“It may feel warm on the surface, but just a few feet below the surface it can be icy cold. The cold water can affect stamina and strength of swimmers.”
The Dee has long been a popular swimming spot with some going as far as jumping from the suspension bridge.
An 18-year-old man passed away after disappearing beneath the river’s fast-flowing waters in 2002.
Key safety tips for staying safe near water:
- Alcohol and swimming do not mix - stay out of the water if you have been drinking.
- Never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds.
- Never interfere with lifesaving equipment - you might need it yourself.
- Swimming anywhere other than at purpose built and supervised swimming pools is highly dangerous and is not recommended, unless as part of an organised club.
More information about the dangers of open-water swimming is available on the Cheshire Fire website.
