POLICE dispersed a group of youths who were swimming in an Elsecar reservoir over the weekend.

On Friday, officers were carrying out cycle patrols in Elsecar Park when they caught a group of youngsters in the reservoir.

They were warned and moved on.

A spokesperson for the Barnsley South Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Now we get that it’s warm, but believe us when we say that one of our officers coming along and giving you a hard time when swimming in any open water is the least of your worries.

“This is compared to cold water shock syndrome, potential life-changing or life-ending injuries caused by unseen underwater obstacles, diseases caused by waterborne bacteria or sewage, and drowning.

“These are what you really need to be concerned about, not us.”