Gloucestershire residents urged to be safe around water
People in Gloucestershire are being urged to be safe if they're going for a swim this weekend.
With the temperatures rising ahead of summer, people in Gloucestershire are being urged to act responsibly around open waters.
Lakes and rivers have not had enough time to heat up yet and swimming in cold water can be very dangerous.
According to the National Water Safety Forum, around 400 people in Britain drown in open waters every year.
Not just the water itself but its surroundings can pose threats as well.
Often it is hard to tell how deep a body of water is or what lurks underneath the surface, but there are also dangers in getting too close to the edge.
Edith Cameron from Cotswolds Canoe Hire told Greatest Hits Radio: "The water, even in May, can still be dangerously cold.
"If people want to go swimming my best advice is head to designated swim safe areas.
These can be found easily on the Cotswold Lakes website."
For those who are planning on giving water sports a go she added "Check your equipment before heading out, especially your paddle boards or any inflatables you might have.
"Always wear your buoyancy aid, even if you think you're a strong swimmer.
"Staying afloat is more important than that tan or looking good.
If you've got children make sure they've got their life jackets on."