FIREFIGHTERS and utilities bosses have reiterated warnings for people not go swimming in reservoirs as lockdown measures are eased.

In recent weeks people have been spotted taking dips in reservoirs across Greater Manchester ­— and even turning up with inflatables.

It is feared that the warm weather and the allowing of unlimited outdoor exercise could see more people risking their lives ­— with teenagers the most likely to venture into the waters.

Paula Steer from United Utilities said the firm is concerned about a potential surge in children and young people swimming in reservoirs.

She added: “Deaths in reservoirs is a very real problem and despite our warnings, we continue to hear of the needless deaths of people, mainly teenagers, accidentally drowning in open water.

"We may no longer need to stay home, but we definitely need to stay safe and out of reservoirs – especially with our emergency services and healthcare providers under such strain.”

Swimming in reservoirs is strictly prohibited due to the hidden dangers and risk of drowning.

Despite these perils, many tragic deaths and injures are caused by people jumping into reservoirs and other restricted inland waters every year.

Paul Fearnhead, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service area manager, said: “As always we advise people not to enter or swim in open water – if there is no lifeguard then it is not safe to swim.

"Too many people have lost their lives after getting into difficulties in water – even the strongest of swimmers suffer from cold water shock and can find themselves caught up in objects hidden beneath the water’s surface.

"Please wait for leisure centres to re-open before you think about swimming."

Mr Fearnhead further warned people about taking care in the region's countryside in the warm weather to avoid moorland fires.

He added: "We continue to plea with people not to start fires or have barbecues on the moors.

"These fires really can be devastating and we don’t want to see a repeat of the summer 2018 fires – which saw our firefighters, along with neighbouring services, engaged for several weeks.”