A CRUCIAL piece of advice has been issued by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service ahead of this Bank Holiday weekend.

With the weather expected to reach 21C in some areas across the two counties, there is an increased chance of people swimming in open water.

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "It's promising to be a hot one this Bank Holiday weekend.

"Please enjoy it safely and remember, don't jump or dive into open water and never swim in it with no lifeguards present.

"There may be strong currents and water can be very cold, causing cramps and breathing difficulties."

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Sergeant Chris Bannister, of the Evesham safer neighbourhood policing team, echoed these comments and highlighted how serious open-water swimming can be.

He said: "Do not be tempted to jump in. We sadly have to deal with tragic avoidable deaths each year.Ā 

"The weekend is expected to be a hot one. As tempting as it may be to cool off in our rivers, lakes and reservoirs, they hide hidden dangers and strong undercurrents. "

The Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service website has information specifically for quarries, which can beĀ dangerous places even for the most competent of swimmers.

The water can be deep and cold, putting you at risk of hypothermia and cold shock, which prevents muscles from functioning properly.

Slippery sides can make it difficult to climb out and unseen machinery and obstacles beneath the water can cause serious life-changing injuries or even death.

For more information on safety surrounding open water, you can visitĀ https://www.hwfire.org.uk/safety-and-advice/water-safety/.