Beware

No swimming! No diving! I don’t think I would want to do either, although I do appreciate that come hot summer days, the thought might be tempting to some.
But this is one of the Testwood Lakes at Totton in Hampshire, and one of the main reservoirs supplying drinking water to parts of Southampton, the western area of the city and its locality and the Isle of Wight.
And like many reservoirs, this one is founded on former gravel workings which means that though it looks harmless it is very deep. While wild ducks may be happy on this water, their swimming ability is not in question.
The adjoining lakes are a haven for seabirds and other forms of wildlife, and of them is used for boating by sea scouts who hold a licence to sail on the waters. In also boasts a beach of sorts where the waters edge in summer gently laps the gravel shore line. 
But again swimming is taboo, although many dogs who are regularly exercised in the area, love the water.  While looking appealing in summer though, it also produces a toxic algae which can be dangerous to the unwary.
But today, though chilly, was a glorious time to wrap up the weekend. Nor was I alone at the lakes by any means. During my visit I met dog walkers, cyclists, joggers, and the occasional angler or two hoping for some rewarding fishing sport.
Walking lake areas is one of my favourite exercise pastimes. A complete circuit of any sizeable reservoir style lake provides a sensible distance, is one you can take at your own pace and at the same time achieve your own target in time, distance and hopefully burn a few calories.

You can bet your life this will be one of my regular haunts again this summer.