WESTON swimmers have been advised to take "extra care" if they are planning on taking a dip in the town's Marine Lake.

Whilst cold water swimming can be reinvigorating, residents should take care and ensure that they understand the risks involved in taking the plunge in such cold temperatures.

The Swim the Lakes website lists some of the risks, including cold water shock, described as "the involuntary, sharp intakes of breath experienced when first getting in along with dramatic subsequent physiological reactions: increased blood pressure, respiration and heart rate."

A Visit Weston-super-Mare spokesperson said: "We aren't 100% sure of the temperature of the water in Marine Lake WSM but we'd like to remind everyone using the lake to take extra care at the moment as the temperature outside continues to drop.

"Please make sure you are properly prepared and understand the risks involved."