A CAMPAIGN is highlighting the dangers of open water.

It comes with mid-summer and the risk of more people finding somewhere to cool off with a swim

The campaign, which is run by Royal Life Saving Society is supported by a wide range of organisations including the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, the safety body RoSPA, the emergency services and industries such as the water utilities and quarrying.

During the recent hot weather, lakes at former quarries and reservoirs are the type of areas that have experienced this sudden growth in visitors.

Areas such as this are full of dangerous hidden hazards, including very deep and cold water, sudden changes in depth, underwater pumps and currents, concealed obstacles and vegetation beneath the water and in some cases, pollution or high alkalinity.

Every year members of the public, particularly young men, drown in quarry lakes whilst engaging in what they perceive as harmless fun.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne is backing the campaign.

“Drowning is responsible for more deaths each year than fires, but unfortunately warm weather can induce people to ignore the very real hazards that are potentially found in open water,” said Mr Dunne.

“So, I urge the public to think carefully about the dangers, stay safe, and follow advice which can apply at a beach, river, canal, lake, river or waterfilled void at a former quarry.”