Sunbathers are being warned of the dangers of open water swimming as scorching temperatures are expected to return this month.
Nottingham City Council is warning of the dangers of swimming in open water after hundreds of people headed to the lake at Colwick Country Park recently to cool down.
With temperatures set to soar again, the council is urging people not to be tempted to take to open water, as there are many hidden dangers.
The local authority said although the water may look calm on the surface, there may still be strong undercurrents that could pull even the strongest swimmers under.
The water may also feel relatively warm on the surface, but just a few feet below it will be icy cold even in hot weather and can very quickly induce shock, cause severe cramp and hypothermia.
Every year around 400 people on average die in the UK from drowning, with thousands more rescued but left with permanent and life-changing injuries.
Councillor Rosemary Healy, lead councillor for parks, said: “Open water swimming can be extremely dangerous and a risk to life. If things do go wrong, there is often no-one around to help until it is too late.
"While there is no law against it in this country, we would strongly urge people to be sensible and avoid swimming in lakes, rivers quarries or canals.
“Our NHS and emergency services have enough on their plates as it is fighting the coronavirus pandemic and we need to protect them so they can save the lives of our loved ones. Keep you and your family safe."
June was hit hard by thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the country but the second half of July promises to be better, say forecasters.
Weather experts have issued early weather reports for the country. BBC Weather, for example, is backing 25C highs by July 18 - and then the mercury could edge its way through the twenties to 30C by the end of the month.
The early forecasts follow speculation that the country could be poised for skyrocketing temperatures and stifling heat this month.
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