CHILDREN and adults are being warned to stay out of reservoirs and rivers during the summer.

A company which owns reservoirs at Rivington is also urging people not to drink alcohol and then jump into the water.

Latest figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reveal that around 300 people, mostly teenagers and men, drown in rivers, streams and lakes each year.

A Bolton Evening News reporter recently spotted a group of youths swimming in Anglezarke Reservoir, near Rivington, on a hot day.

Rural reservoirs, beauty spot lakes and deep canals are the focus of the United Utilities campaign this summer.

The water company's 2002 Swimsafe campaign was also been backed by England's Commonwealth Games Triathlon Team.

Squad members trained at Belmont Reservoir in rural Bolton during the tournament.

Team coach Glenn Cook said: "Our athletes are all extremely fit, experienced swimmers. However, you can never underestimate how dangerous water can be.

"We would urge people not to be tempted to cool off in reservoirs -- no matter how strong a swimmer they think they are."

Peter Bradley, United Utilities' health and safety advisor, added: "A few pints of beer can impair judgement, leading people to swim until their bodies are suddenly gripped by the cold."