YORKSHIRE Water has issued a stark warning to those who might be tempted by swimming in its reservoirs during the hot weather.

With temperatures touching 30C, cooling down in reservoirs might seem tempting, but taking a swim could lead to tragedy.

Reservoirs have temperatures as low as 12ºC, which is colder than rivers in summer time and they are much deeper with depths of depths of up to 50m. Although they have less currents than rivers, there are underwater currents generated by pipework, which is a more invisible danger.

People have been swimming in Doe Park, Embsay, Ponden, Brownhill and Mixenden and while nobody has yet been harmed this summer, Yorkshire Water says it could easily have been different.

Darren Lynch, Yorkshire Water Regional Raw Water Manager, said: “Most people think reservoirs are safe places to swim, but they pose a huge risk which could lead to loss of life. They are often colder than rivers and this can result in cold water shock that can lead to hyperventilation, increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties and heart attacks plus water temperatures remain just as cold in summer as in winter.

“We have 115 scenic and beautiful reservoirs that we want walkers, cyclists, runners, picnic-goers and others to enjoy this summer. We just don’t want anyone to swim in them and to obey our warning signs.”

Toby May, Kirklees District Commander at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “In the last two years, firefighters have attended over 70 water rescue incidents in various types of waterways across West Yorkshire.

“We realise the appeal of taking a dip during the hot summer months, but the cool water of a reservoir can be dangerously deceiving and you can very easily get into difficulty as cold water shock takes hold.

“Please take care around open water - particularly as school summer holidays start, it is vital that young people take our safety messages on board when they are out and about.”

Yorkshire Water is also reminding the public that it is illegal to have barbeques on moorland.

In the past, barbeques, particularly disposable ones, have been left on the ground not properly extinguished, sparking wildfires.