NEVER underestimate the danger of York’s rivers.

That is the only conclusion to draw from the tragic death of York student Megan Roberts, and the growing fears for 22-year-old Ben Clarkson.

Ben, from Heworth, was last seen at about 3.30am on Sunday outside Fibbers, just hours before Megan’s body was found in the Ouse near Acaster Malbis. Fears are growing he may have fallen into the Foss as he walked home.

The hope is he will yet be found alive. But, as police said yesterday, it is unusual for him to have been out of contact for so long.

There are some clear parallels between what happened to Megan and what may have happened to Ben.

Megan, 20, was last seen by friends after a night out in York. CCTV footage showed her with friends near Lendal Bridge at 2.20am. She was not with them minutes later on the other side of the river.

We launched our Think, Don’t Swim campaign in 2011 to warn about the dangers of the Ouse after bartender Richard Horrocks drowned when jumping into the river at the end of a shift.

There is no suggestion either Megan or Ben jumped into the water. But their cases reveal just how dangerous York’s rivers can be: especially late at night if you have had a few drinks.

The River Ouse Safety Advisory Group has issued renewed advice for those on a night out: stay together as you walk home so if there is an accident, someone can raise the alarm.

To that we add our own plea: please, never forget how treacherous the waters of the Ouse and Foss can be.