NEW warnings have been issued about the dangers of entering the region's reservoirs.

Yorkshire Water has teamed up with West Yorkshire's fire and rescue service to raise awareness of the risks.

The move comes as latest figures show that in 2022, there were six deaths across the county due to accidental drowning – half of which occurred in West Yorkshire.

Nationally, the total was 226 – with 60 per cent happening inland at reservoirs, lakes and rivers.

Yorkshire Water says that despite previous warnings, people are still putting their lives in jeopardy by entering reservoirs.

In an incident at Ponden Reservoir, near Stanbury, in June, 2021, a 27-year-old man drowned after he entered the water and got into difficulties.

Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor for Yorkshire Water, says: "With the summer approaching, we’re expecting to see an increase in numbers of people wanting to swim.

"We know how dangerous it can be to enter open bodies of water, like our reservoirs, and would urge everyone to take note of warnings at our sites.

"Also, of those who drowned accidentally in 2022, 40 per cent had no intention of ever entering the water – slips, trips and falls were a common cause of incidents – so safety also extends to remaining vigilant around the water, particularly if you are looking after children."

Chris Bell, for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, says: "We want people to enjoy water, but it’s vital that they don’t underestimate the risks.

"Open water is very cold and can have hidden dangers, such as entrapment risks and undercurrents. The temperature of open water is often below 15 degrees, which can affect your breathing and movement – leading to cold water shock.

"It’s important too to know what to do if someone gets into difficulty in water. Call 999 and ask for fire and rescue for inland waters in Yorkshire; using the What3Words app will help us find your exact location. Tell the person to remain calm, try to control their breathing and let the initial effects of the cold water pass. They should lean back, extend arms and legs, and float until they can swim. If possible throw them something that floats or reach out with an object like a branch.

"We always recommend swimming at lifeguarded pools and locations."

Further advice can be found on the Royal Life Saving Society website at rlss.org.uk/pages/category/water-safety-information