YORK Rescue Boat has issued a warning to stay out of the rivers this bank holiday weekend.

In a series of tweets they said: "The air temperature over the Bank Holiday weekend might be rising nicely but river temperatures are still cold. Currently the River Ouse in York is 11’C and will effect even the strongest swimmers."

"If you see someone in trouble in rivers, canals or open water call 999 and ask for Fire & Rescue, at the coast ask for the Coastguard. If you fall in then turn onto your back and float whilst getting your breathing under control.

"York has had a bad few weeks with regard to fatalities in the Rivers Ouse and Foss, we have been involved with each of them to varying degrees. Our volunteers are effected by each of the fatality and incidents the attend.

"Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of those involved in each of the incidents in the last couple of weeks and also to those families who get reminded of their own loss as each new incident happens."