A group of young people swimming at the exact spot a teenager tragically lost his life just last year have been accused of ignoring safety warnings from the emergency services.
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police have both issued statements after teens were seen "swinging into the water" in the Prudhoe and Ovingham area.
Crawcrook teenager Robert Hattersley died after getting into trouble in the Tyne last July. He was 13-years-old.
Read more: Two people rescued after getting stuck in mud flats near Holy Island
Both fire crews and police officers urged the group of youngsters to leave the water, but were ignored. The fire service were on the scene to attend a water rescue incident, but said the rescue did not involve the young people.
A statement from the fire service said: "Young people were seen swinging into the water at the exact point a teenager died last year.
"Our crews tried engaging with them from across the river and encouraging them to leave the area, and Northumberland Police Neighbourhood Team directly engaged with them, but unfortunately, neither had any effect.
"We would like to ask that parents and guardians have a discussion with any young people they are responsible for about the dangers of swinging into water. There can be hidden dangers just below the surface such as large rocks, and hitting the water at an unlucky angle could stun anyone.
"Areas like this often have strong currents which are not always visible above the water, and it is important to note that fresh water is more difficult to float in than salt water.
"Cold water shock can also kick in immediately, which is a physiological reaction causing changes in breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. It is caused by entering water 15°C and below, and prevent even experienced swimmers from swimming strongly.
"This shock can be the precursor to drowning. Please know the risks of entering the water and stay safe, stay dry."
Neighbourhood Inspector for the area, Kate Benson, of Northumbria Police, issued advice for anyone who sees someone getting into difficulty at the river.
She said: "It's so important that people recognise the potential risks when going into the water, and we support the fire service in their appeal to increase awareness and understanding of these dangers.
“Anybody who sees anyone in difficulty is asked to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or the fire service, rather than enter the water themselves.
“If you see someone in danger, act fast – keep your eyes on the person and wait for emergency services to arrive. That will allow emergency services to get to the casualty as quickly and safely as possible.”
Prudhoe's two county councillors have also spoken out to warn of the dangers of swimming at the town's riverside.
Coun Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South and is the chair of the fire authority, said: "We know that with such hot weather people will want to cool off, and while rivers and other bodies of water such as ponds may look inviting they have many hidden dangers.
"The people who take risks are also a danger to other people, who may try to assist them when they get into danger. That includes members of the emergency services."
Coun Angie Scott, who represents Prudhoe North, got into difficulty herself when swimming in the Tyne at Prudhoe as a teenager.
She said: "That part of the river is just so dangerous. Parents need to tell their kids how unsafe it is.
"People should listen to the emergency services. There was a death there just last year.
"Young people need to listen, because God forbid something happens again. There are extra signs up now warning people about the dangers, but the kids are still doing it - it is terrible."
Read next:
