SWIMMERS are warned that taking a dip in reservoirs can have deadly consequences.

North West Water says swimmers continue to take dips in the icy waters despite tragic drownings in recent years -- several in the East Lancashire area -- and accidents involving pet owners trying to save their animals from drowning.

Children and young men are most at risk, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which says around 300 people drown in rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs each year.

"People see a vast expanse of water and are tempted to cool-down in a reservoir, but it is a highly dangerous activity," said North West Water services director John Barnes.

"Parents should warn their children about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs."

He explained how reservoirs in use have water drawn from them through pipes under the surface, creating very strong undertows.

The water immediately below the surface is icy cold and can easily cause cramp and many reservoirs slope very steeply at the sides, so that swimmers can find themselves out of their depth before they realise it.

The company is urging people to find a supervised pool or beach to swim, or to visit one of its 19 supervised reservoirs that are used specifically for watersports such Fishmoor, just south east of Blackburn.

Mr Barnes added: "We are reaching 32,000 children a year through the SwimSafe Campaign, but we want everyone to be aware of how dangerous reservoirs can be."