SPRINGTIME announced its arrival loud and clear at the weekend, with unseasonably warm temperatures and bright sunshine.

But it also signalled the start of the silly season, when members of the emergency services see their work rates shoot up.

Every year the sun comes out and people decide to put themselves in danger by taking to the water.

This time it was a group of kayakers who set off in near darkness down the River Hodder at Clitheroe.

Their actions sparked a 40-man rescue operation involving a mountain rescue team, police - including the Force helicopter - and firecrews. For our overstretched services, it was an operation which cost time and money they could ill afford.

The party was later found safe and well - but police and the emergency services were full of criticism for the kayakers who could have easily lost their lives.

Every year we receive numerous warnings from the emergency services who are called on to rescue people from dangerous situations.

Sadly, as the temperatures continue to rise throughout the summer, we can expect to see many more similar warnings issued - from children diving into canals to families swimming in deep, cold reservoirs.

We only hope these people who continue to ignore the warnings will be as lucky as the kayakers.