As temperatures rise and people flock to lakes, rivers and beaches, the risk of water-related incidents increases significantly.

West Midlands Ambulance Service are urging the public to be vigilant about the dangers associated with swimming in open water. Though it can be tempting to enter the water on a hot day, open water poses unique hazards that are often underestimated, and natural bodies of water can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) Manager, Ben Pallante said: “Each year, we see a number of people become injured or lose their lives in water-related incidents. Which is why we are urging people not to enter the water if there’s not a lifeguard or safety measures in place.

“The water can hide a number of hazards which are not visible such as; the depth of the water, the temperature of the water, the speed of the water, strong currents and tides and obstacles such as rocks and drains under the surface of the water.

 “If you see someone in the water and think they might be in difficulty, please call 999 immediately and give them as much information as you can about your location and try to stay as close as you can as to where you saw the person in the water, if it is safe to do so.

“All HART paramedics are trained and equipped to manage any patient within the water environment so please never enter the water in an attempt to rescue a person or an animal and call 999 immediately, and the HART team along with the fire service will be able to attend to support you and rescue that patient.”

Risks to consider include the risk of cold water shock or hypothermia, hidden currents, water which is deeper than it looks and unexpected obstacles such as rocks and drains hidden beneath the water.