POLICE and Army cadets are raising awareness of the dangers of swimming in open water after the death of an East Lancashire teenager this summer.

Police Cadets and the Army Outreach programme in Burnley are going out and about to warn people of the dangers of cooling off in open water sites.

In June, 17-year-old James Goodship, from Colne, died after getting into trouble on a makeshift raft on Lake Burwain in Foulridge.

Police have also been called to other sites in the area after reports that teenagers were in open water while East Lancashire bathed in sunshine during July.

The cadets, supported by Lancashire Fire and Rescue officers, went out for the first time on Tuesday.

They visited open water sites in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale to speak to people in the area and warn of the dangers when people bathe or swim in the water.

On Sunday, August 24, they will be going out for a second time.

Travelling around in military vehicles, the cadets and outreach staff will be visiting Foulridge Reservoir and the canal towpath at Café Cargo, Barrowford Locks, Pendle Heritage Centre and Caldwell Reservoir, distributing leaflets and giving safety advice.

The death of former Park High School student James was discussed in the House of Commons, when Prime Minister David Cameron called it ‘absolutely heartbreaking’.

Anyone with information or concerns about water safety can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.