A HARD-HITTING film warning of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs - in a bid to avert cold water deaths this summer - has been made by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Yorkshire Water.

Since 2010, there has been one death and four emergency rescues in North Yorkshire’s lakes, ponds and reservoirs.

Now the fire service has produced a Cold Water Kills film, which highlights how even a short swim can end in tragedy.

It says reservoirs have temperatures as low as 12C, colder than rivers in summer time and which can reach depths of up to 50m.

Although they have less currents than rivers, there may still be under water currents generated by pipework which are just as dangerous.

The film is aimed at young people most likely to be tempted to swim in reservoirs during the school summer holidays.

In the past five years, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been called out to four water rescue incidents on reservoirs, ponds and lakes - and one tragic death.

The most recent was at Snailsden reservoir in South Yorkshire last summer, where a police dive team found the body of a 38-year-old man on the bed of the reservoir.

Alastair Harvey, recreation advisor at Yorkshire Water, said: “Most people think reservoirs are placid and safe places to take a swim, but our dramatic film will hopefully raise awareness of the risks they pose.

“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.”

Stuart Simpson, group manager prevention and protection for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Even in hot weather, open water, though inviting to look at, can be extremely cold and seemingly slow moving streams and rivers can have dangerous undercurrents.

“We would always recommend that people who wish to swim visit an appropriate facility such as their local swimming pool or lifeguard supervised beach. If you see someone in trouble in the water dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service at inland water sites or the Coast Guard if you're at the beach.”

To view the film visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ile-FwNEafk.

It can also be shared on social media amongst friends and family using #ColdWaterKills.