Those packing their walking footwear in their daysacks for a trip to the Lake District this bank holiday weekend have been urged not to be fooled by the temperature of the water at one of the region's most popular lakes.

Safety organisations working together on Ullswater are warning visitors that despite the recent warm weather, the water will not be as warm as they might think.

The Ullswater Lake Safety and Rescue Association (ULSRA) says walkers should not visit the lake ill-prepared.

Anyone accidentally going under the water will find themselves gasping for breath and they may be unable to scramble back into a boat given the cold water, the association said.

"People need to dress to cope with the water temperature, with buoyancy aids or lifejackets being vital for anyone facing the slightest possibility of falling under water," ULSRA said in a statement.

Safety experts have also warned that Ullswater has two special dangers: that the lake bed can shelve quickly in places, meaning people out for a dip could end up in very deep water very quickly.

Also, Ullswater has unpredictable squally winds, so visitors are advices to tether inflatable boats to the shore and restrict them to shallow water.

Ullswater is the second largest lake in England after Windermere.