Youths pictured swimming in Preston's River Ribble after tragic drowning deaths
It comes just days after 12-year-old Junior Slater tragically drowned in the river...
Youths have been filmed swimming in the River Ribble just days after a local 12-year-old boy tragically drowned.
Concerns were raised after footage emerged on social media showing groups of children playing in the river in Preston, close to the railway bridge and Miller Park.
The video was taken at the weekend, just days after Junior Slater, 12, from Clayton-le-Woods, died after getting into difficulty in the River Ribble at Ribchester.
Junior's death is one of several fatal drowning deaths across the UK during the recent heatwave, prompting warnings of the dangers of swimming in open water.
The Royal Life Saving Society has warned that water temperatures remain very cold despite the warm weather, and that cold water shock can make swimming difficult and harder to get out of the water.
After the Preston footage was shared on Facebook, local charity the Ribble Trust said: “We know how important rivers are to people, especially in a heatwave, but they can also be unpredictable.
“Rivers can change quickly, and even strong swimmers can get into difficulty. Recent events are a reminder that open water is very different from pools. That’s why building awareness early matters.
“Knowing what to do can make all the difference. If you spend time around rivers or open water, understanding how to stay safe, and how to respond in an emergency, is essential.”
The Ribble Trust is helping young people understand rivers, recognise risks, and know what to do in an emergency, and are offering to provide safety sessions for schools.