Urgent call to stay safe around rivers as police disperse 300 swimmers and sunbathers near Peterborough

The Environment Agency is warning people of the dangers of jumping off its locks, weirs, and bridges after police were forced to clear around 300 swimmers and sunbathers from a single site near Peterborough.

Police were foreced to dispers hundreds of swimmers flocked to Houghton Lock on the Great River Ouse near Huntingdon on Thursday.

An Environment Agency spokesman said those gathering were taking unnecessary risks by not social distancing, and swimming too close to a structure that could pose hidden dangers for even the strongest swimmers.

Irven Forbes, Anglian Waterways manager at the Environment Agency, added: "Every summer we see people put themselves at risk by ignoring warning signs and swimming where it isn’t safe, and we know this can have serious, even tragic, consequences.

“Please don’t take the chance – follow posted safety warnings and guidance from the authorities. If you don’t, you’re risking your life, and you could face a day in court and a steep fine.”

The Environment Agency have issued top tips for river safety:

*Don't jump or dive in as the depth may vary and there can be unseen hazards

*Don't go in near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices. These and some other water features are often linked with strong currents

*Inland waters can be very cold, no matter how warm the weather. Those going into cold water can get cramp and experience breathing difficulties very quickly

*Keep a look out for boat traffic. Boaters, especially on larger vessels, can find it very hard to spot swimmers