The National Trust has reminded those hoping to take a dip at Woodchester Park that swimming is actually banned at its lakes.

Deep waters that hide dangers below are behind the swimming ban.

“It’s just not safe,” said Allan King of the National Trust, which looks after the park.

“There is lifesaving equipment nearby to the lakes, but this is there for the worst-case scenario, not encouragement.”

Some swimmers may have dived in unknowingly - signs telling people they should not swim have vanished, but the National Trust intends to replace them.

An angling club has also urged people to seek a swim elsewhere.

“We pay significant fee for sole use of the lakes,” said its chairman in an email to the SNJ.

The reminder of the lakes’ rules comes after another sunny weekend for the park that saw more rubbish left behind.

While picnics are allowed in the grounds, dealing with the litter has left the National Trust struggling to get on with conservation of the park.

“The more time our rangers are spending picking up used barbecues and food packaging, the less time they have for looking after wildlife.”

The National Trust is also urging those going to the park and exploring the Woodchester area to use the grounds’ main car park - the recent influx of visitors has clogged up parking in neighbouring villages.