A FIRE crew in Warrington has issued a warning for families as we enter the summer.

Birchwood Fire Station posted a warning on social media regarding open water safety during periods of warm weather.

The station acknowledged that the public ought to remain vigilant when near open water, especially during half-term and other school holidays.

Fire crews from Birchwood spoke with members of the public who were fishing at Rixton Clay Pits and warned them of 'unknown dangers' beneath the surface of the water.

The fire station posted: "Crews are attending Rixton Clay Pits to talk with anglers and members of the public about water safety during the school holiday period.

"It's tempting to go for a swim in the warm weather.

"Unknown dangers lay beneath the surface.

"Keep safe and avoid entering open water."

Rixton Clay Pits has been returned to nature but it was an active clay extraction point, which was in operation from the 1920s until 1965.

The clay pits can be found off Moat Lane, in Rixton.

Birchwood Fire Station added: "Should anyone fall in the water:

"SHOUT - To attract attention and try to get them to swim safely to the side

"REACH - For a safety device or to them from a point of safety on the bank side

"THROW - A floatation device to help someone in distress

"CALL 999 - Remain calm."