Council plea after thrillseeker posts his lake leap footage on YouTube
Charging topless into the water on a crisp summer's day, this thrill-seeker is caught on camera larking about at a Black Country lake.
But this footage taken from Moorcroft Wood in Moxley has led to a warning from council bosses about the dangers of plunging into the region's lakes and pools.
The footage has emerged on YouTube of a young man, watched by a group of others, jumping into the lake and is followed by three dogs.
But Walsall Council bosses said lakes and pools at borough nature reserves are perilous for swimmers who have no idea of the depth and temperature of the water. They can also injure themselves on items that have been dumped in the water.
Kevin Clements, environmental resource manager for Walsall Council, said: "The last thing we're trying to do is spoil people's enjoyment of our nature reserves but they need to be aware of the dangers of swimming in pools and lakes in the borough.
"While it may be really hot out of the water, temperatures in the water are very cold and the sudden shock to the system can result in heart problems.
"There is also the risk of injury from diving into shallow water. While a pool or lake may look deep from the water's edge it may not be and diving in and hitting the ground with force will also cause serious injury.
"Sadly, fly-tippers also dump all sorts of things at our nature reserves and we've pulled shopping trollies and other items from the water. Imagine diving in and hitting your head on something like this or getting trapped in something.
"There are swimming pools throughout Walsall borough and water play features at Walsall Arboretum, Willenhall Memorial Park and King George V Playing Fields to help people stay cool safely.
"Free swimming for children aged 16 and under is available at our four leisure centres and we are urging people to make the most of the warm weather but stay safe while doing so."
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has also stressed the importance of not swimming in reservoirs, and choosing supervised locations.
Spokesman David Walker said: "We understand the temptation to want to go swimming at inland water sites, especially on a sunny day, but it's important to recognise that the temperature of the water may be a lot colder than expected.
"This can lead to a swimmer going into cold shock; in the worst case, a swimmer will inhale water and the drowning process begins. Even the most experienced swimmer can get into difficulty."
In 2012, teenager Augusto Zacarias died after jumping into water at a Black Country quarry.
Tributes poured in for the youngster, who got into difficulties in the water near to the Crooked House pub in Lower Gornal.
