SWIMMERS have been given a timely warning about the dangers of taking a cooling dip in rivers and lakes.

Police say that a combination of the hot weather and open water could provide a deadly temptation for thousands of youngsters on their school holidays.

The warning comes on the anniversary of schoolboy Christopher Glen's death three years ago today.

Christopher 15, drowned after being sucked under the water by strong currents while playing in a notorious stretch of the River Tees, near Darlington.

Two similar deaths have occurred already this year in this region, involving swimmers who have drowned in inland waters.

Andrew Cousins, 22, died in June after jumping into a deep quarry pool at Greenfoot Quarry, Stanhope, Weardale.

And Liam Robinson, 12, an Army cadet from Ferryhill, County Durham, drowned in May while playing in the River Wear, near Sunderland Bridge, between Durham and Croxdale.

Sergeant Andy Criddle, leader of North Yorkshire Police's diving team, said that rivers often have unexpected currents that can sweep a swimmer to his or her death, while debris beneath the surface provides a further hidden danger should someone become entangled.

Steve Jones, of Darlington Borough Council, said: "We urge people to only swim at a properly supervised swimming pool or beach."

Sergeant Dave Lyall, of Weardale police, said: "We need to remind everybody, but especially parents, to be aware of the potential dangers.

"Although the water may heat up during the day when the sun is out, it can still be very cold at certain times.

"If someone has been drinking, you can imagine the obvious risks of combining alcohol, hot weather and a large pool of water."