A water company is reminding people of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs as the school summer holidays begin and temperatures soar.

Welsh Water says that every year, a small number of people attempt to swim in reservoirs across Mid Wales, putting their lives, and the lives of others, at risk.

They are reminding people to resist the temptation to cool down in the water, as it could easily end in tragedy.

Welsh Water owns reservoirs popular with visitors such as Llyn Brianne and Claerwen and Caban Coch in the Elan Valley.

The dangers of swimming in reservoirs include:

• Dangerous hidden machinery underneath the water, which can sometimes operate without obvious warning

• Very cold and deep water that can cause even strong swimmers to find themselves in difficulty

• Most reservoirs are in remote locations, with little or no mobile phone reception, so the chance of rescue is greatly reduced

Chief Operating Officer Peter Perry said: “Reservoirs might seem like a great place to cool off, but they are full of hidden dangers.

“Hidden machinery, strong currents and freezing temperatures can pull even the strongest swimmers under the water.

“We know the weather is particularly warm at the moment and people are tempted to go for a swim – but I cannot emphasise enough that people are not only putting their own lives at risk, but also the lives of people who may try and help if they get into difficulty in a reservoir.”