On what is expected to be the hottest day of the year on Friday (June 17), police are warning about the extreme danger of cooling off in lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and other partners are urging individuals and families to avoid the many dangers posed by open water as temperatures are expected to reach 30C across parts of the county.
A very high pollen count is expected too, and winds could reach speeds of up to 31mph. It's led to Met Office issuing warnings, with guidance being issued on signs of overheating.
Read more: Long jail sentence for Nottinghamshire woman - and £2m fine for company - after men die in pig feed
According to Nottinghamshire Police, almost half of accidental drownings happen between the months of May and August, often involving people who took a spur-of-the-moment decision to enter the water. Very cold temperatures, even in summer months, strong underwater currents and unexpected water depths are among the dangers posed by open water.
Other hazards such as debris, weeds, pumps and mechanical equipment can also lurk beneath the surface.
Chief Superintendent Mat Healey, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "It is really important that people stay away from open water as we really don't want families to suffer the devastation of losing a loved one. Open water may look tempting on a hot day but it is often bitterly, surprisingly cold.
"This alone can lead people to experience medical emergencies or cause them to cramp up and immediately get into difficulties. It's also worth remembering that if things do go wrong there may not be anyone available to come to your aid until it is too late.
"Lifeguards will not be on duty and police officers of course will not always be on hand to help. So I would ask parents to share these messages with their children and to avoid the temptation of entering the water themselves."
