A man was airlifted to hospital with serious head injuries after jumping into the canal in Brierfield while playing with friends in the hot weather.
The incident has prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of swimming in the area's waterways and reservoirs, particularly during the current heatwave.
The 22-year-old was injured after losing his footing while jumping off the bank of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, close to junction 12 of the M65 at Brierfield.
Ambulance crews spent 45 minutes lifting him out of the water following the accident, at around 6pm yesterday.
The man was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital, where his condition was described as critical.
An ambulance service spokesman said: "I would warn everybody of the dangers of playing near water as this can result in serious injury."
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