Police have warned people against swimming in lakes and quarries as the sunny weather continues.

It follows reports of people swimming or even commandeering boats to take to the water in the lakes at Cotswold Water Park.

Last week the Cotswold Water Park Trust said it was disappointing that people were visiting closed lakes in order to swim in them.

The Trust posted online: “This is not only extremely dangerous, but also puts others at risk including lake owners, staff and emergency services.

“Police are having to be called to attend a number of sites on a daily basis and will disperse groups and issue fines to individuals. Children (including some very young ones) are being seen roaming the area unsupervised and some have even been found in active quarry sites.”

Now, in a warning to those tempted to take to the water Insp Nick Cook of Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “It can be very tempting to cool off with a dip in water as the summer temperatures soar. But although bodies of water may look appealing and even safe, strong currents, hazardous objects, and pollution mean they often hide much less obvious dangers.

“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. If you do see someone in trouble, do not get into the water yourself but call 999 and await the emergency services, as whatever is causing the casualty to need help could happen to you as well.”

Group Manager Donna Potts, prevention lead for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We know that as some of the lockdown restrictions ease, young people want to enjoy being outside in the sunshine with their friends. Sadly every year young people drown in open water because they do not realise how cold the water is just a few centimetres below the surface.”

Last summer, Swindon-born mechanic Cory Nicholson died after getting into difficulties while swimming at the Cotswold lakes. A pre-inquest review last year heard the young man, who had been a volunteer with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, was a strong swimmer.