A CAMPAIGN to educate Darwen children about the dangers of open water is being stepped up.

Darwen’s neighbourhood policing team has joined forces with Lancashire Fire and Rescue, United Utilities and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for the third phase of Operation Twitch.

It is aimed at educating children about the dangers of playing close to deep water such as lakes, canals and reservoirs.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue filmed a simulated rescue which will shortly be presented to primary school children in Darwen.

During this exercise, officers demonstrated the various ways in which they could retrieve someone from the water.

Sgt Jon Cisco said: “We want people to enjoy our rural areas but the message is simple: stay away from our lakes and reservoirs and stay safe.

“We would also appeal to parents to keep an eye on their children at all times especially when visiting ponds or pools.”