NOVICE swimmers who use canals have been warned they are risking their lives for just a few minutes of fun.

Police and British Waterways chiefs were horrified to learn youngsters wearing armbands were taking the plunge in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Blackburn.

Children as young as seven were caught on film diving in the water near the Moorings pub on Bolton Road.

Inspector Bob Webster, of Blackburn police said: "It beggars belief that kids in armbands are going into such dangerous waters.

"They're obviously not strong swimmers if they have to wear these things, and you have to ask what role their parents are playing. "There are all sorts of hidden dangers in the water. Not just from pollution but from rocks and even the temperature of the water.

"It's great diving in on a hot day but not so great when you hit the water and it's cold and you start to lose your breath.

"These children are risking their lives for just a bit of fun."

Jim Swindles, Waterways Supervisor with British Waterways, said they had been trying to educate youngsters on the dangers of swimming in canals and reservoirs.

He said: "But it doesn't matter how much we tell them, they'll still do it.

"We even have families making a day out of going down to the canal just like having a day out at the seaside.

"Youngsters don't realise that a simple swim can kill."

He said lock keepers were facing a barrage of abuse from children when they were telling them not to swim.

Waterways workers were also keeping their eye on the situation throughout the working days, he added.

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