Swimmers have been given some invaluable advice by firefighters in Carlisle. 

Crews from carlisle East and West fire stations were on the River Eden at Rickerby Park in Carlisle today, giving advice to people swimming and paddling in the river.

The team created a video with helpful advice and a demonstartion of what to do if you get into difficulty whilst swimming. 

In the video, a firefighter stressed that non-swimmers should "never go into the river above [their] knees". 

They also said that if you are a non swimmer and find yourself in trouble, you should lie back and form a star shape

In the video, the firefighter added: "When you're in a star shape like that, the oxygen in your lungs or in your clothing will help you float.

"If you do decide that you feel uncomfortable that way and you can swim, you can make your way out doing whatever stroke you are most comfortable with. 

"But, if you can't swim at all and you're in that star shape, and you are comfortable, just wait until someone comes to your aid."

For more information on water safety and cold water shock visit the RNLI website. 

For more information on teaching your children the basics of swimming, visit the Royal Life Saving Society website.