EMERGENCY services across the town have joined forces with the landowner responsible for Barnsley’s reservoirs in a bid to make youngsters think twice about entering dangerous bodies of water amid soaring temperatures.

Six drowning deaths have occurred at local reservoirs in the last six summers - which include Ingbirchworth, Langsett, Scout Dike and Winscar.

According to a Yorkshire Water report, 87 per cent of incidents involved males and those who have been spotted getting into the water have been urged to not underestimate the risks involved.

And, with the death toll already hitting 15 across the country this summer - with the River Don in Mexborough recently claiming 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift’s life - actions are being stepped up ahead of the upcoming school holidays.

The utilities firm teamed up with South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, and while more officers will be patrolling water edges, visitors have also been urged to report any concerns in an effort to save lives.

Superintendent Mark James told the Chronicle: “We’re working alongside our partners across the borough given we’re approaching the summer holidays and we’ve been in a heatwave.

“We know it’s a time when youngsters do group together and head out, often towards water which looks inviting.

“Teenagers often have no fear and don’t necessarily think of the consequences - there’s no doubt an element of peer pressure, too.

“However, as we’ve seen locally, across the country and abroad in France where 40 people lost their lives in just four days, it can soon become a tragedy so officers in Barnsley’s neighbourhood policing teams have been in schools spreading the message as to how dangerous open bodies of water are.”

Chris Tyler, group manager at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s community safety team, said his teams are working alongside the police and Yorkshire Water at the town’s lakes and reservoirs in particular.

“Water in lakes and reservoirs is often much colder than you think, even on hot days,” he added.

“It can cause your body to go into cold water shock, leaving you helpless in seconds.

“As your muscles cool your strength, endurance and control reduce to the point when you can’t swim any longer, so you can’t rescue yourself.

“The point at which you can’t swim any more is called ‘swim failure’, and if you haven’t got out of the water or managed to get hold of a buoyancy aid - like a lifejacket - you will drown.

“If you want to swim in open water, it is best do this as part of an organised group who consider the weather and other factors that could impact safety and take care to properly acclimatise to the water temperatures.”

Despite reservoirs looking inviting when the weather is warm, cold water shock can be a killer as well as hidden dangers such as under-the-surface machinery.

Anne Reed, education and social value manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “Finishing exams is a huge milestone and we know many young people will want to celebrate with friends and make the most of the sunshine.

“We want everyone to enjoy summer safely, which means staying out of reservoirs and other dangerous open water.

“Reservoirs may look calm, but they can be extremely dangerous.

“The water stays cold even during hot weather and hidden hazards below the surface can quickly turn a fun day into a tragedy.

“We encourage everyone to choose safer places to cool off and help ensure they return home safely to their families.”

Inspector Nik Dodsworth, from South Yorkshire Police, urged youngsters to think twice.

“We continue to work closely with Yorkshire Water, colleagues from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and other key partners to educate people about the dangers associated with open water.

“This summer in South Yorkshire we have already seen the devastating effects of swimming in open water.

“Our thoughts remain with their families, friends and loved ones, and with the possibility of more hot weather on the horizon throughout the coming months, it’s important we all work together to raise awareness of the potentially fatal risks of open water swimming.

“If you are thinking about going swimming in open water, please think again and consider the danger you may be putting yourself in.”