Firefighters have issued a warning for people stay safe if they want to head into open water.
As weather starts to pick up crew members from Whitehaven station said: "It’s time to become 'Water Aware'
Never go into open water unless at a dedicated open water venue because you could suffer cold water shock, there may be strong currents, you don’t know what’s under the surface and you could drown."
If you fall into water:
n Take a minute – the initial effects of the cold water could pass in less than a minute.
n Relax and float – if you can stay on your back to catch your breath.
n Keep calm – then call for help or swim for safety if able.
If you see someone in the water:
n Call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service or coast guard, if it’s in the sea.
n Consider using lifesaving equipment if it is close by.
n Never go into the water to save someone or a pet.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here