FISH struggling to survive in the tropical temperatures have been saved by firefighters.
A crew visited Newstead and Annesley Country Park because carp in the lakes and lagoons were not getting enough oxygen to survive.
The shortage was caused by the hot weather.
Firefighters pumped water into the lakes to increase oxygen levels and give the fish a fighting chance of survival.
Their visit was organised by Rural Community Action Notts (RCAN), an organisation which supports communities in rural areas.
Rob Crowden, chief executive of RCAN, said: "When the weather is hot, fish use up more oxygen and microbes at the bottom of the lake grow and take the oxygen.
"This means that as time goes on, the fish start to struggle in prolonged periods of heat.
"What we wanted to do was get a little bit more oxygen into the water and the firefighters pumped it out and then pumped it back in. As it goes back in, the bubbles and movement create oxygen.
"It is a real issue across the county and one that fish owners should keep an eye out for.
"If the hot weather continues, then we may need to find a way of getting more oxygen into the ponds."
Firefighters used the task as a training exercise to test new equipment and note emergency access points should there be an incident at the country park.
Yesterday, temperatures hit 30C. Today is expected to be slightly cooler at 27C, while Friday will see the beginning of a cooler weekend.
The highest temperature forecast on Saturday is 21C.
The fire service is urging people to take care during the hot weather.
As well as the increased fire risk of barbecues, the service says people should not cool off in rivers, lakes and streams.
Crew manager Alastair Bramley-Little said: "We don't want to spoil people's fun, but we want to make people aware of the potential dangers and hopefully reduce the chances of incidents happening here."
Hazards include getting stuck in silt, litter on the river bed, and shock brought on by the difference in temperature between air and water.
Meanwhile, Notts County Council has issued advice to both older people and drinkers.
Meals At Home delivery drivers are handing over written advice on the importance of drinking plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Top tips include having a drink between meals, as well as with food, having a full glass of water with any medication and drinking at least two-and-a-half pints of water a day.
Similarly, drinkers enjoying the sunshine at pubs are advised to leave the car at home or stick to the mocktails.
The council's principal road safety officer Zena Oliver said: "Traditionally, drink-drive campaigns have always been held over the Christmas period but actually the danger is there all year round – and especially in the summer months.
"Family barbecues, celebrating at weekend sporting events or stopping off for a meal after a long day out – all offer the potential for drivers to unknowingly push themselves over the limit when it comes to having a drink."
