WATER bosses have warned people are putting their lives at risk by swimming in North Yorkshire’s reservoirs.

Yorkshire Water has responsibility for 120 reservoirs in Yorkshire and the Humber and is reminding people of the dangers of taking a dip during National Water Safety Awareness Week, which is currently running.

The company said it is still receiving reports of people swimming in reservoirs, such as Cod Beck, near Osmotherley.

Geoff Lomas, the firm’s recreation and catchment manager, said: “What began as a day out in the sunshine can turn to tragedy within minutes if you decide to take a dip. It really doesn’t matter how well you can swim as it’s the cold which will kill you. Most people won’t realise that.”

Yorkshire Water has worked with the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership to develop a DVD re-enacting a drowning and the response by emergency services.