NI Water is highlighting the importance of water safety as Drowning Prevention Week begins.

Reservoirs and other water bodies can often look idyllic, a perfect place to spend a beautiful day. However, that calm exterior can carry real danger that everyone should be aware of.

NI Water would like to remind the public that there can be no complacency around water.

Reservoirs are often great places for a walk or cycle but even an innocent paddle in the water can quickly turn into an emergency.

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Patricia McKee, NI Water Senior Facilities Manager, said: "Understandably, a reservoir can look like the perfect place to cool down on a warm day, but while it may look safe, it can be very dangerous. You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in extremely cold water.

"It is also a shocking statistic that according to the Water Incident Database (WAID), which was develop by the National Water Forum, that in almost half (43%) of the accidental drowning deaths across the UK in 2020, people had no intention to enter the water. Causes included slips, trips, falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves.

"WAID also highlight that inland open waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries continue to be the leading locations for accidental drowning and unintended entry into the water accounting for 58% of deaths! This further emphasises the need to remain vigilant and treat our waterways with respect. "