DIVERS who took part in filming for The Press’ Think, Don’t Swim campaign have warned of the hidden hazards they found lying under the surface of the River Ouse.

Cameraman Christopher David, assisted by two professional divers, shot some special effects sequences along a stretch of water near Museum Gardens for the campaign film, aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of jumping or falling in the river.

The divers from OverlandUnderwater, based in Acomb, worked with the film crew to create background scenes which will be used as a basis for subsequent special effects scenes.

Husband and wife dive team Steve and Sue Grainger said: “We were more than happy to do anything we could to help out with the production of this important film which will hopefully help to make people think before they go in the river.

“People just don’t appreciate the hazards in the river.

“In just the small area that we dived we came across a discarded shopping trolley, a bike and several broken bottles.

“These items all present underwater hazards that you just can’t see from the surface.

“It is such a tragedy when these accidents happen. If this film makes just one person stop and think then it will have been worth the effort.”

Christopher David, director of award-winning York-based Flash Frame Productions, said the hard-hitting short film, starring local actors, tells the tale of a young man who decides to go skinny-dipping in the River Ouse, with tragic consequences.

Mr David said he had been overwhelmed by the support and co-operation of so many local companies and individuals.

“The film has a simple, but important message, and everyone is keen to contribute if it helps avoid further accidents,” he said.

The Press launched the Think, Don’t Swim campaign after bartender Richard Horrocks jumped from a riverside balcony into the Ouse and drowned in the summer. He was the third person so far this year to die in the river.