SAFETY campaigners fear the number of deaths caused by drowning could rise with global warming.

Three people have drowned in the River Severn this year while rescues have averted several tragedies along the river.

There are also worries about quarries on the Malvern Hills where thrill-seekers dive into the icy shallow water.

"The long spell of hot weather this summer appears to have significantly increased the number of drowning fatalities," said the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' water and leisure manager Peter Cornall.

"Climate change caused by global warming could mean we have more summers like this to come.

"We have to keep emphasising that the only safe place to swim is at a properly supervised swimming pool or supervised beach."

Now the society is holding a national seminar to share ideas about how to combat the problem.

Managers of watercourses from around the country will share their experiences of tackling the dangers at a conference to be held in Brighton next year.