POLICE in Oldham are urging people not to swim in the borough’s reservoirs after reports of a “large groups of youths” swimming at Dovestone.

It comes after three people in England died in open water on Sunday, when temperatures soared over 30C.

A 19-year-old man died at Salford Quays, Manchester after emergency services rescued him from the water.

The body of a man in his 50s was also recovered from the River Ouse, close to the Water End Bridge in York and a teenage girl was brought from the water by emergency services in Witney, near Oxford and later died in hospital.

Taking to Twitter GMP Saddleworth & Lees wrote: “In this hot weather please don't be tempted to swim in reservoirs.

“We've had numerous reports that there are large groups of youths swimming in Dovestone reservoir.

“If your child has been or is planning on going please educate them of the dangers.”

Local officers were at Dovestone yesterday “advising swimmers”, according to one of the comments left by the force on the Twitter post.

The comment added: “We cannot be there all the time. There are information signs regarding the dangers. A reminder from parents may help.”

Drowning is amongst the leading causes of accidental death in the UK. In 2019, 223 people accidentally drowned. 44 per cent of these just happened to be near water with no intention of entering.82 per cent of those that drowned were male.

United Utilities officers have also spotted large groups of adult open water swimmers at the Dovestone and Swineshaw reservoirs in the early mornings.

Mark Seymour, United Utilities’ catchment manager for Manchester said: “Open water swimmers have been noticed at a few of our reservoirs recently. They turn up in wet suits, they’re usually adults, and ignore the fact that swimming is prohibited.

“Not only should they know better than to ignore the warning signs but they’re also setting a dangerous example because other younger people might see them swimming and get the wrong impression that it’s ok to swim too.

“These open water swimmers could indirectly be the cause of another drowning tragedy. It’s extremely irresponsible.”

He added: “Cold water shock can take your breath away and lead to panic and death. Reservoirs are completely unsuitable for swimming of any kind.”