KEIGHLEY people are being warned of the dangers associated with taking a dip in open water.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK said many sites contained hidden, potentially-deadly dangers.

It issued its warning as part of Drowning Prevention Week, which begins tomorrow (June 14).

Latest figures show that last year, in West Yorkshire, six people died as a result of accidental drowning.

The total was the joint fifth highest of any region in the UK.

And in the period 2014-18, 21 people drowned in West Yorkshire.

Robert Gofton, for the society, said: “Drowning destroys families and devastates communities.

“Every year we see a tragic amount of preventable deaths as people flock to open water sites that are not suitable for swimming.

“It may seem an inviting way to cool off, but there are very real and deadly dangers at these sites – such as extremely cold water, uneven depths and hidden debris that people can get injured on or caught in.

“We believe that the majority of drowning incidents can be prevented and urge people to swim where it’s safe. Don’t take unnecessary risks.”

For more information and advice, visit rlss.org.uk.