Cheshire residents are being urged to stay out of inland waters during the hot weather.

The message comes from the Canal and River Trust ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on Saturday, July 25.

While summer may be the most popular time for people to visit Britain's waterways, 57% of all accidental UK drownings in 2025 occurred at inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.

Anne Gardner-Aston, director of health and safety at the Canal and River Trust, said: "Spending time on or by Britain's waterways is a lovely way to spend a summer's day and they are excellent places for families to explore during the school holidays.

"But it is also important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip. The consequences can be devastating."

Locks and weirs may be great places to spend time gongoozling – watching boats go by – and listening to the calming sounds of the water, however, when the weather warms people sometimes get into difficulties after jumping in to cool down.

Locks have hidden 'shelves', called cills, which can seriously injure someone should they jump in.

Weirs, meanwhile, have strong currents which can pull even the strongest swimmers under the water.

Ms Gardner-Aston added: "Inland waterways, like canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks, can look really inviting but you can't tell what is below the surface.

"Even if you are familiar with a stretch of water, it doesn't mean there aren't risks.

"The water often isn't clear, and you will not be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water.

"Everyone is welcome to the waterways this summer, but please keep to the waterside or swim at a lifeguarded location at the beach."

If you do end up in the water and find yourself in difficulty, remember 'float to live':

• Tilt your head back with ears submerged
• Relax and try to control your breathing
• Use your hands to help you stay afloat
• It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently

If you see someone in difficulty in the water, remember 'phone, float, throw':

• PHONE - Call 999 to get help
• FLOAT - Tell the struggling person to Float on their back
• THROW - Pass the person rescue equipment or something which floats, such as an air-filled football