YORKSHIRE Ambulance Service has launched a safety campaign to help prevent hundreds of drownings which happen each year.

In 2017/18, ambulance crews were called out to 239 drownings across the region, many of them during the summer months.

More than 700 people drown in the UK and Ireland every year, with further losses of life abroad. Drowning is also one of the leading causes of accidental death in children.

To help cut the number of deaths YAS is supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK's Drowning Prevention Week.

This year’s campaign, which runs until June 25, is encouraging schools, clubs, leisure centres and communities to promote water safety through events, lessons, games and activities to make people more aware of the dangers.

Mike Dunn, RLSS UK’s Deputy Director of Education and Research, said: "Higher temperatures during the summer can tempt some people to cool off by swimming in places such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but the water can be extremely cold, with hidden hazards like debris, sudden changes in depth and rip currents. These factors can turn a bit of fun into a tragedy all too quickly."

Stephen Segasby, Deputy Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, added: "Warmer weather usually means an increase in 999 calls to incidents where people have needed emergency medical attention after swimming in rivers, reservoirs and other waterways.

"Even on a hot day, the temperature of deep water rarely gets above freezing, and swimmers can easily suffer cold water shock and put themselves at risk of drowning.

"Every year, lives are tragically lost across the UK, so please stay safe and stay out of open water."