Residents are being warned by United Utilities and both Greater Manchester and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to not swim in reservoirs.

The warning comes as weather improves and the government eases lockdown allowing unlimited exercise.

Swimming in reservoirs is not allowed due to hidden dangers and risk of drowning.

Paula Steer of United Utilities said: "The government’s ease of lockdown restrictions is welcome news for many, however as a company, we fear this may lead to a surge in people visiting our reservoirs to go swimming, particularly children and young people.

"Deaths in reservoirs is a very real problem and despite our warnings, we continue to hear of the needless deaths of people, mainly teenagers, accidently drowning in open water."

Paul Fearnhead, Area Manager at GMFRS, said: "As always we advise people not to enter or swim in open water ­— if there is no lifeguard then it is not safe to swim.

"Too many people have lost their lives after getting into difficulties in water, even the strongest of swimmers suffer from Cold Water Shock and can find themselves caught up in objects hidden beneath the water’s surface.

"Please wait for leisure centres to re-open before you think about swimming."

For more information, visit unitedutilities.com.