HOWEVER tempting, don't swim in open water this summer, police and partners have warned.

Police in West Yorkshire, along with Yorkshire Water, have issued the warning following an incident yesterday (Friday) in which young people were seen gathering near and swimming in a reservoir.

Emergency services were called to a reservoir in Tingley on Friday teatime following reports a young girl had got into difficulty while swimming, and needed assistance to get out of the water.

She was taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment in the aftermath of the incident.

Officers stayed on scene and dispersed other person’s present.

Patrols will also be mounted in the area over the coming days.

With hot weather expected to continue over the next few days, emergency services are warning that such water can be extremely cold and completely unsanitary.

It can also contain hidden dangers which can overwhelm even good swimmers very quickly.

Chief Inspector Allan Raw of Leeds District Police said: “This incident in Tingley serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers of swimming or playing in open water, no matter how tempting it may appear in warm weather.

“Fortunately, the young person involved in this incident is expected to recover but the consequences could have been much worse.

“Water such as reservoirs or lagoons can be very cold, even in the summer months, and people suddenly entering cold water are susceptible to hyperventilation, which could result in the body going into seizure.

“There can also be hidden currents and unseen dangers such as mud banks or items under the water which a swimmer can become caught on.

“As inviting as the water can look, it simply isn’t worth the risk.”

Yorkshire Water Regional Water Production Manager, Darren Lynch, 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.”