The Environment Agency is urging everyone to be safe at the water's edge this Easter.
"The riverbank is a not a safe place to be," said John Morgan, the southern waterways manager.
"It is all too easy to slip and fall into fast-moving currents, or become tangled up in underwater hazards. At this time of year, the water is very cold."The agency does not want to spoil people's Easter fun. However, we do not want to wait for a tragedy to occur before people realise the potential for danger at the water's edge.
"It is not safe for children to be on their own near a river or lake because it is so very easy for them to get into trouble.
"Youngsters are naturally curious; they simply do not understand or see danger until it is too late. The water's edge is not a playground. Please help us to prevent a tragedy."
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