THE Environment Agency is warning parents and children of the dangers of swimming in rivers such as the Thames at Lechlade, near Swindon, this summer.

As the weather warms up, rivers always prove a magnet to youngsters.

On the Thames alone there is usually at least one fatality a year, and it is estimated that on a warm summer weekend between 50 and 100 children can be found playing unsupervised at the most popular spots of the river.

Tragedies occur because youngsters are not aware of the dangers. Keys points to be aware of include:

The water is often surprisingly cold beneath the surface.

The speed of flow is sometimes beyond the abilities of even the strongest swimmers, especially after rain.

Boats and other moving craft find it very hard to spot swimmers.

Unseen underwater obstructions exist in many places along the river.

The Environment Agency is urging people to think about the dangers of the water and ran a water safety competition for local children earlier this year.