THE DEADLY dangers of swimming in open water is being highlighted ahead of this weekend's predicted mini-heatwave.

With sunnier days finally on the way, police have teamed up with a number of agencies to launch Operation Twitch.

The campaign was announced at the Blue Lagoon, Belmont, the scene of several drownings in recent years, in a bid to prevent water tragedies.

The local neighbourhood policing team was joined by members of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and water company United Utilities for the launched yesterday.

Sergeant Jon Cisco appealed to parents to keep an eye on their children at all times ,especially when visiting places where there are ponds or pools.

One teenager has already drowned this summer after swimming in open water. The 17-year-old got into diffculty whilst swimming with friends in the River Lune near Lancaster in June.

Agt Cisco said: "Every year, children across the country die as a result of swimming in unauthorised areas.

"It is vital that we do everything possible to raise awareness of the dangers associated with swimming in open water, particularly now the weather is improving. I urge people to act sensibly and stay safe, particularly if drinking alcohol beside open water."

Temperatures are expected to warm up to around 22C tomorrow and forecasters say the weather should stay fine for the weekend.

Police have issued the following water advice: Keep clear of any cliff edges as they can be slippery when they get wet - some cliffs are very high and do sometimes give way under foot.

Reservoirs can appear very inviting, particularly when the weather is hot - the reality is very different and entering into this water could have tragic consequences. Stay away.

Drinking alcohol and going in any open water is dangerous, it slows your reactions, increases chances of hypothermia and your judgment of distance will be impaired Always wear sun cream, at least factor 15 or above, sunbath for short periods of time, use after sun lotion and wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs to prevent further exposure.

In an emergency always call 999.

Sgt Cisco added: "Peopkle shouldn't swim when under the influence. Alcohol can reduce the body temperature and cause cramps.

"One metre down, water in this country is barely one degree above freezing, whatever the temperature in the air.

"These conditions quickly chill the body, causing blood to be drawn from the extremities to sustain the vital organs.

"This soon results in paralysis of the limbs, followed by sinking. Cold water then enters the lungs and drowning becomes inevitable. Even the strongest of swimmers is vulnerable to this chain of events."