The man aboard the rescue boat Pic: Brian Sandham of Stillshot photography

Firefighters have reminded the public about the dangers of swimming in open water after a rescue operation on Preston Dock during Sunday.

A skinny-dipper got into difficulty in the Docks after going for a paddle.

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Fire crews had to launch a rescue mission to haul him out of the water.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The tragic events of James Goodship who lost his life at Foulridge Reservoir should serve as a reminder to the public to never swim in open water.

“Places like Preston Dock have unseen currents and are extremely deep. Signs are there for a reason. Don’t swim there.”

Watch this video from the fire service highlights the dangers

James drowned, I nearly did… from LancashireFRS on Vimeo.

Onlookers watched as the fire crews brought the man to safety around 3pm on Sunday (August 7).

The man is helped onto a larger boat Brian Sandham of Stillshot photography

An eyewitness said: “At one point the fire boat capsized and the swimmer had to help the firefighter back on board.”