DAREDEVIL youngsters jumping from bridges to cool down face hidden dangers in the water below, safety chiefs have warned.

Their message comes after reports of up to 15 youths diving off Old Powick bridge yesterday.

The Powick road bridge, the Ketch and Sabrina bridges have all been hot spots for bored teenagers, despite warnings that they are dicing with death or risking serious injury.

One Powick jumper revealed it was locally regarded as the "smallest drop" of all the regular diving spots.

"If you jump from the road bridge your feet always hit the bottom of the river but it doesn't really hurt," said Mitchell Probert, aged 19, from Tolladine.

"We always come down here to jump from the bridges in the summer. It's good fun and not really dangerous to dive because there's no rubbish on the bottom of the stream, just mud and sand."

Jane Eason, a spokeswoman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) was quick to point out that even swimming in rivers to cool off in the summer sun was a danger in itself.

"Every year, people dive into rivers with no idea of how deep the water is, or what debris could be on the bottom," she said.

"The biggest age group at risk are young men aged 18 to 30, who cool off in rivers.

"We have seen a massive increase in alcohol-related drowning."

She recommended that parents should warn young children not to swim or dive into rivers because of the hidden dangers of freezing water and strong undercurrents. People should only swim at a supervised pool or beach.

A Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman said there were "hidden dangers lurking in the water."

He said youngsters should avoid such practices.

A spokeswoman for Worcester police said: "This activity is very dangerous. There have been a number of injuries and fatalities in the past.

"Youngsters should only swim where there is qualified supervision."