JUST days after a teenager drowned, people are still jumping into the river Severn to cool off.

Police yesterday found four people swimming at the same spot 17-year-old Tony Ballard was pulled under on Monday. They were yards away from where mourners continued to lay flowers for the former Bishop Perowne CE College pupil.

The officers were on routine patrol along the riverbank when they saw two males and two females, aged between 14 and 30 years old, in the river. The group knew about the tragedy, but still risked their lives by swimming in the same stretch of water.

Their actions have been branded “madness” by the officer who ordered them out of the water near to Pitchcroft racecourse at 1.45pm yesterday.

“This unbelievable behaviour is absolute madness in the light of recent events, particularly as these people are thought to have been aware of the tragedy earlier in the week,” said Inspector John McKay.

“To make the situation even worse, some members of the public were in the area paying their respects to Tony at a nearby spot.

“I can assure that those involved in this crass behaviour will be dealt with and that police will take positive action using powers available to them, including by-laws, to deal with any future incidents.”

Tony died after getting into difficulties while swimming with three friends. Despite his friends’ desperate attempts to save him after he had told them he was struggling in the water, the Worcester College of Technology student slipped from view and drowned.

His body was later discovered close to where he disappeared and post-motem tests yesterday confirmed he died from drowning.

The river Severn not only has strong undercurrents but there are many hazards lying beneath the surface including trees, shopping trollies and wrecked boats.

The water is also extremely cold and can cause the body to go into shock, make breathing difficult and causing the muscles to tighten.

Joe Simpson, group manager for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service south Worcestershire, said: “Rivers may look cool and inviting but underneath the surface they often contain hidden dangers such as obstacles and or undercurrents that can cause life threatening injuries.

“I would urge anyone wishing to go for a swim to make use of the leisure facilities around Worcestershire.”

A 1962 British Waterways Board By-law makes it an offence, carrying a £100 fine, to swim in the river unless you are legally authorised to do so.