AMBULANCE bosses have urged the public to stay safe around water this summer.

Last year, paramedics in Yorkshire attended 239 drowning incidents across the region, mostly in May, June and July, and more than 700 people drown in the UK and Ireland every year.

To help reduce the number of incidents, Yorkshire Ambulance Service is supporting the Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week, which runs until June 25.

Mike Dunn, from the RLSS, said: "Higher temperatures during the summer can tempt some people to cool off by swimming in places such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but the water can be extremely cold, with hidden hazards like debris, sudden changes in depth and rip currents. These factors can turn a bit of fun into a tragedy all too quickly."

Stephen Segasby, from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: "Warmer weather usually means an increase in 999 calls to incidents where people have needed emergency medical attention after swimming in rivers, reservoirs and other waterways.

"Even on a hot day, the temperature of deep water rarely gets above freezing, and swimmers can easily suffer cold water shock and put themselves at risk of drowning. Every year, lives are tragically lost across the UK, so please stay safe and stay out of open water."

For more information and safety tips go to rlss.org.uk