YOUNGSTERS are being warned of the dangers of swimming and playing in reservoirs and lodges over the summer months.

The warning follows concerns from police about youths spotted using materials from a construction site in the Lowerhouse area of Burnley to create rafts to use on the lodges at Lowerhouse.

PC Lee Richards said: “We’re concerned that as the weather hots up, children might be tempted to go swimming, or even sailing, in local reservoirs and lodges.

“We are also worried that local children are going onto construction sites and taking materials to create rafts.

“Not only is this very dangerous, but the children are committing a crime by stealing.

“These areas of water are not designed for public swimming. Some of them are very deep, others far too shallow, and some may well contain sharp rocks.

“None of them have anyone on hand to supervise swimming, or help if people do get into difficulties.

“If it’s hot and kids want to cool down, then we’d recommend that they go to the local sports centre or swimming pool – it will be clean and supervised, therefore much, much safer.

“We are not out to spoil people’s fun, but the fact is that every year a number of children across the country die as a result of swimming in unauthorised areas.”