Warnings have gone up about swimming in the river near Preston’s new tram bridge.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were on site around the new bridge over the River Ribble during Thursday 28 May to speak to people and put up banners.
The move comes following the death of 12-year-old Junior Slater who got into difficulty in the water upstream at Ribchester on Tuesday while swimming with friends.
Read more: Fundraiser in memory of Junior Slater who died in the River Ribble launches
He is one of a number of people to die in open water swimming incidents in recent days during the heatwave which has gripped the UK since Saturday.
The fire service during Thursday sent their condolences to the Slater family and also issued a warning to people who were tempted to go for a dip in rivers, lakes, quarries or other open water features.
At the tram bridge site, on the South Ribble side of the riverbank, a banner has gone up about the ‘Float To Live’ campaign which was launched explaining if someone has got into difficulty what should be done.
Preston’s new tram bridge opened on Friday last week and has drawn large numbers of people to the crossing between Avenham Park and Penwortham.
During Sunday’s high temperatures people flocked to the ‘mini beach’ which has been revealed since the works finished and the route between Preston and South Ribble restored and people were seen swimming and wading in the water.
The River Ribble remains tidal at this section of the river and people are being urged not to enter the water.
