Those readers with long memories of hot summers past might look on the recent hot spell as a return to those halcyon days of their childhoods, with the attendant increase in outdoor activity it brings.

And it is true that there is something about young people abandoning their games consoles and heading out into the sunshine that gladdens the soul.

But that does not mean we should throw caution to the wind. It might seem a romantic, summery activity to spend time splashing about on local bodies of water, but there are inherent and hidden dangers children should be made aware of.

Real life is not Swallows and Amazons, which is why the sight of children using an inflatable paddling pool as a makeshift raft on a Bradford reservoir raises alarm bells and renewed calls for commonsense to prevail.

No matter how hot it has been recently, ponds and reservoirs are very cold not far below the surface, and anyone swimming in open water might find they get into severe difficulties. Add to that the fact there can be strong, hidden currents which can drag even the strongest swimmer into danger, then it is easy to see how a bit of summer fun can turn to tragedy very quickly.

No-one wants to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of the summer, but reservoirs are not safe places to swim, either for children or adults.

If you need a dip, then it is much better to head to one of the district’s swimming pools which are clean, safe and well-monitored, than to take an impromptu dive into an enticing-looking pond that could cost you your life.