Police warn not to risk swimming in lakes or quarries or open water

West Mercia Police is asking those enjoying the current heat wave not to attempt to swim in lakes, quarries or any type of open water to cool off.

The force is asking people to visit a licensed pool or swimming baths that has a lifeguard on duty.

The warning comes from officers in a bid to save lives.

Water is often a lot colder than you think, quickly draining your energy. The body's first reaction when entering cold water is to take an involuntary intake of breath but instead of air, water is taken in to the lungs.

A spokesperson said: Our area has a wide variety of lakes, quarries and waterways, all of which carry hidden dangers and with the summer holidays now upon us, this danger is only going to increase, with more and more people thinking that it's perfectly safe to swim in open water."

"Our advice to anyone considering going into the water is just not to do it."