Police have issued a warning after families were spotted swimming in the same reservoir where a young man drowned.
Officers attended Audenshaw Reservoir today (Saturday) after reports of a large number of people swimming in the water.
The reservoir is not open to the public and is owned by United Utilities.
Neighbourhood officers posted on Facebook to say they were shocked to see both adults and children swimming in the reservoir.
Reminders are frequently issued by police about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs following a spate of deaths in Greater Manchester over the last few years.
In 2018, a young man died after getting into trouble in the same body of water.
Dwayne Thompson, 20, who had autism, climbed through a United Utilities fence with friends, before getting into the water.
His mother told an inquest her son lost his life because he didn't understand signs warning people not to swim in the water.
Dwayne had received lifeguard training at school, the inquest heard.
Police posted a list of excuses given by families spoken to at Audenshaw Reservoir today, all of which the force noted were unacceptable.
"I have swimming lessons every week," was one excuse given.
Police responded: "It doesn't matter how proficient you are in a swimming pool it is not safe for you to be swimming in open water.
"They are OK we are supervising them," another said.
Police responded: "If your child gets in to difficulty swimming and you go into the water to assist them there is a chance you will also become a casualty. You are also sending the message to your children that it is OK to swim in open water.
Other excuses included: "We didn't know we weren't allowed," "The gate was open," "We saw everyone else in here so we thought it was OK."
Officers reminded people that the reservoir is the private property of United Utilities and barring a few individuals who carry out activities, nobody has permission to be on the grounds.
"If you wish to report anyone putting themselves and others at risk by swimming in open water please call 101 or 999 if it's an emergency," they said.
"If you see anyone in trouble in the water call 999, do not enter the water yourself.
"Audenshaw Reservoir has Throw Lines installed at points around the perimeter. When you call 999 give them the name of the box that the line is held in and they will provide you with the code to access it along with instructions on how to use it safely."
