IT is a paradox that the warm weather brings out the jumpers in York. Not the woolly pullover variety, but those hot-headed lads who strip down and leap off bridges into the river.

We are not yet into June, and York Boat staff have already had to pluck one man from the water. He was lucky.

The Ouse may look placid and inviting, but it is cold and deep with deceptively strong undercurrents. It has claimed many lives down the years. We can only hope that the message gets through this summer: stay cool, stay out of the water.

Updated: 10:40 Friday, May 30, 2003