A simple message could help prevent a summer tragedy, as emergency services urge people to think twice before entering open water during warmer weather.
New water safety signs have been installed at two popular Bolton parks to warn people of the dangers of open water and remind them what to do if they see someone in difficulty in the water.
The signs were put up this week at Doffcocker Lodge and Moses Gate Country Park as part of the Safe4Summer campaign, which includes the fire service, police and councils.
So far this year, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has attended over 80 water incidents, including seven that were fatal. This included a tragic incident in Clifton Country Park.
With more hot weather forecast, emergency services are urging parents and carers to talk to children about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water during the hot weather this summer.
It's after concerns over the dangers hidden beneath the surface, with children and young people being urged to understand the risks before making a decision.
One of the most common dangers is cold water shock. Even on warm days, water in ponds, rivers and lakes can still be cold and the shock of jumping in can quickly overwhelm the body.
Water Safety Development Officer Jim Bridge, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Now the summer holidays have begun, we are asking all parents and carers to have a direct conversation with their children about staying safe around open water.
"Rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs, quarries, and other open water can look inviting in warm weather, but they can be extremely dangerous.
"Even strong swimmers can get into difficulty because of cold water shock, hidden objects, strong currents, sudden changes in depth, and steep or slippery banks that make it hard to get out."
Jim said people often assume water will be warm during hot weather, but the temperature below the surface can be much colder.
He said: "On a hot day, that water will be warm.
"It will be warm on the surface, but underneath that surface, it will be freezing cold."
Councillors said the signs were an important reminder for visitors using the area during the summer months.
Cllr Sue Priest said: "People don't realise how deep it is and how dangerous it is to get out.
"They don't understand the reason around cold water shock."
Cllr Roger Hayes said: "If it dissuades one person who could get into trouble, it's worth the money.
"People think it's lovely to go in there, and it appears that it's very attractive, but as I say, you don't realise the dangers."
Jim said the advice for anyone who gets into difficulty is to "float to live", meaning they should lie on their back, keep their head back, and control their breathing.
Anyone who sees someone else in trouble is being reminded to follow the "phone, float, throw" advice.
This means calling 999, encouraging the person in the water to float on their back, and throwing something that floats to help them stay above the surface until help arrives.
Police Community Support Officers Paul and Bav said they regularly work with schools to educate children about water safety and the dangers of taking risks.
They said the message was about helping people make informed choices, while reminding visitors that open water can be dangerous even when it looks calm.
Several locations in Bolton have been described as areas of concerns.
They are include Thorns Close in Astley Bridge, where there is a fast-flowing brook, the a water site Stones Bank Road in Egerton, where scores of young people are said to have gathered, Doffcocker and Moses Gate, and Jumbles.
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