YORKSHIRE Water is stepping up efforts to promote its safety message to children ahead of the summer.

The company is staging virtual events with schools to raise awareness of the dangers associated with swimming in reservoirs and other areas of open water.

Sessions, aimed at children between early years and Key Stage 4, take place on June 18 and 20.

Anne Reed, for Yorkshire Water, says: "Through these lessons we’re hoping to equip children with the skills and knowledge they need to make the right decisions about water safety.

"We want families to enjoy the outdoors over the coming months – but it's also important that there’s a good understanding of the risks involved with open water, how we can keep each other safe, and what to do if something does go wrong."

The events are being held in support of Drowning Prevention Week which spotlights the dangers of swimming in open water, such as cold-water shock, underlying currents and operational equipment beneath the surface.

Tragedies locally have included the death in 2021 of a 14-year-old boy, who died in an incident at Goit Stock waterfall, near Cullingworth.

Schools interested in taking part in the virtual sessions should visit yorkshirewater.com/education/teachers/live-events