YORKSHIRE Water is calling for young people throughout the region to stay safe at its 120 reservoirs as the company lends its support to Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week.

The plea comes in an attempt to stop tragic incidents at its reservoirs that have occurred in recent years.

Yorkshire Water is backing the Chief Fire Officers Association as it launches Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week across the country. The campaign this year has a particular focus on raising awareness amongst young people of cold water shock.

Geoff Lomas, Yorkshire’s Water Recreation & Catchment Manager, said: “Reservoirs are deep and the water in them doesn’t flow or heat up in the same way as rivers or the sea, meaning the temperature rarely rises above 12C. It is not always appreciated just how dangerous they are and even just a short swim can result in a tragic loss of life, therefore, we want to once again ask people to stay out of our reservoirs.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Dave Walton, said: “We are pleased Yorkshire Water is highlighting the dangers people can face in reservoirs across the county. In the last five years firefighters have attended over 100 water rescue incidents in various types of waterways across West Yorkshire and around 10 per cent have sadly ended in fatalities.

“We urge people to take water safety seriously to prevent themselves or family becoming the next casualty.”