AS COUNTY residents enjoy the hot weather this Bank Holiday weekend a warning has been sent out regarding the dangers of swimming in open water.

The Royal Life Saving Society has sent out this warning to residents: “Around 85 per cent of accidental drownings occur at open water sites.

“Many of these drownings occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of open water safety.

“The basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase enjoyment of open water and significantly reduce the number of incidents that occur each year.

“Open water swimming takes place in outdoor bodies of water such as, lakes, rivers, canals, reservoirs and quarries.

“Flat or still water is defined as water that has minimal movement, except for locally induced wind currents.

“Examples include lakes, lochs, ponds, quarry pool and reservoirs. Flat water found in lakes and lochs is the safest open water natural environment. However, water is by its very nature hazardous and care must always be taken when being near water margins.

“Lakes and Lochs can vary considerably in size, but they are commonly large expanses of deep, cold water, formed when natural basins fill with water flowing from rivers and streams or from the water table.”