Severn Trent has urged people not to swim in the water at its reservoirs as the UK continues to enjoy warmer temperatures.
Issuing the warning on Friday (28 June) the water company, which has sites across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and the Midlands, said swimming in its reservoirs may put people in danger.
With some sites as deep as nine storey buildings, reservoirs can also produce strong currents as water is pumped in and out.
Company spokesperson Dan Taberner said: “As we go from heavy rain to a heatwave – we really want people to come and enjoy themselves at our visitor sites, and keep safe at the same time.
“We completely understand the temptation to cool off in the water, but the reality is if you do this, you could really be putting yourself in serious danger.
“Our reservoirs are there to provide water to our customers and offer plenty of other activities to do on your visit.
“Unlike beaches and swimming pools, they’re not manned by lifeguards, so we really want people to remember to keep out of the water to keep safe.”
Water companies often issue warnings as the summer months see increased temperatures across the UK, especially during heatwaves.
On Sunday (30 June) the body of a 21-year-old man was recovered from Staffordshire County Council-owned Chasewater Reservoir in Burntwood.
Officers were called to the park at around 6pm following reports two people had got into difficulty while in the water.
A young girl made it safely out of the reservoir but the 21-year-old man sadly died.
Last June, United Utilities warned people not to swim in reservoirs and lakes after two men drowned in unrelated incidents in reservoirs in Bolton and Gorton.
The water company said it will continue to raise awareness of the dangers of reservoirs following the tragedies. It works with emergency services and schools to educate people about the risks.
Research by the North West water provider found 33 per cent of people would consider swimming in open water while 7 per cent said they would be swayed by peer pressure to swim in open water.