AS THE sun shines and temperatures rise, the lure of water is almost irresistible.
But yesterday's incidents in which two men drowned in Erdington and Pelsall provide a grim and sad reminder of the dangers.
Even the strongest swimmers can get into difficulties when they plunge into lakes, pools, rivers or canals.
Tangled weeds can snare limbs, debris can cause injuries, currents can carry us away and sharply cold temperatures can lead swiftly to fatigue.
The danger, of course, is even greater for youngsters.
But no matter how strongly you can swim, think, think and think again before taking a dip anywhere that is not properly supervised.
The results of leaping into cooling water - no matter how tempting on a perfect summer day - can be tragic.