A CORONER has issued a grim warning about the dangers of cooling off in the regions waterways during the current heatwave.

Opening an inquest into the death of Mitchell Bury, who died while swimming in Wayoh Reservoir, near Edgworth after a drinking session, coroner Michael Singleton said it was an all too familiar tale of the tragic loss of life. "Every year I have reported to me three or four deaths which are almost exclusively related to the warm weather," said Mr Singleton, who is coroner for Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley. "I am concerned that will be repeated and I will be dealing with further deaths in similar tragic circumstances.

"I can only reiterate the concerns expressed by the police and reported in the local press. Everyone should be on their guard, particularly parents with small children, in respect of being in open water whether swimming or using inflatables or small boats." Mr Bury, 33, of Nuttall Street, Blackburn, had been out drinking with friends when three of them decided to swim across Wayoh Reservoir at a point where it is about one third of a mile across. When the other two reached the far bank they realised that Mr Bury was not with them and raised the alarm.

His body was recovered by police divers two days later.

Inspector David Griffin, in charge of the joint Lancashire and Cheshire Underwater Search Unit, said that in hot weather people are often tempted to cool off in reservoirs, lakes, rivers and even canals.

He said the waters in and around the UK are extremely cold and, just one metre down are likely to be close to freezing whatever the outside temperature.

"These conditions quickly chill the body causing blood to be drawn from the extremities to sustain vital organs," said Inspector Griffin. "This soon results in paralysis of the limbs followed by sinking. Drowning is inevitable."

He added that even the strongest swimmer is vulnerable to this chain of events.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, 320 people drown in open waters every year. The inquest into Mr Bury's death was adjourned until October 23.