Warning over open water swimming as Yorkshire heatwave brings temperatures to rival Barbados

A yellow warning for heat in the region has been issued as glorious sunshine looks to continue well into the week ahead, topping 29C on Monday.

But on what is traditionally one of the worst weekends for swimmer and motorcycle deaths in parts of Yorkshire, caution is also urged for people making the most of the heatwave.

Rotherham Council has called for people to be careful around wild swimming while North Yorkshire Police (NYP) has set up special motorcycle and drone patrols. Yorkshire Water, meanwhile, has urged caution to those enjoying its reservoir sites.

Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor, said: “Sadly, we’ve seen incidents this year in Yorkshire where people have lost their lives in reservoirs and other open water.

"We’d advise sticking to the walking routes on public footpaths and don’t be tempted to go for a dip in the shallows or walk on the exposed embankment and structures, as there can be risks of sinking mud.”

Temperatures today are to be around 27C for much of Yorkshire, although cooler on the coastline, and will continue to rise until Monday remaining warm for the half term holidays.

Rotherham Council is among those to issue a call though to residents, urging them to be extra careful when in or around open water.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFRS) saw a 70 per cent drop in open water calls last year, the authority revealed, but even one can be too many. The district saw four people die in incidents in 2021.

With the weather continuing to improve, wild swimming can become tempting, but the authority has warned over hidden currents and cold water shock.

Coun Lynda Marshall, cabinet member for leisure and green spaces, said: “Drowning fatalities can sadly happen to anyone at any age, so it is crucial to be safe and alert when around open water sites such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

"Hidden dangers and strong currents lay beneath the water line so no matter how strong of a swimmer you are, you will still be susceptible to cold-water shock."

In North Yorkshire, one of the biggest challenges each Bank Holiday weekend is around dangerous motorcycle riding. The district, with its scenic rural roads, is extremely popular with motorcycle riders but this, North Yorkshire Police (NYP) has said, can also lead to a "concerning" number of crashes.

Officers will be out in force this weekend, as well as using drones to monitor riding behaviour.

Chief Insp Tom Ibbetson, from NYPs Roads Policing Unit, said: “There are few better places to enjoy a motorcycle ride than North Yorkshire, and we want everyone to be able to come here, ride safely, and return time and time again.

“Our message is simple – ride within your limits, follow the rules of the road, and help ensure everyone gets home safely.”