MAGDALEN Bridge will be open for May Morning celebrations again this year.

However, safety experts warned there could be the lowest water levels ever.

The River Cherwell looks likely to be as low as in 2005 when 40 people were hurt in the celebrations, an ambulance manager warned last night.

Last year, below-average rainfall in March and April left the water flowing beneath the bridge dangerously shallow – less than two feet deep in some places.

Emergency services warned anyone jumping from the parapet of Magdalen Bridge, 25ft above the river, could be killed.

Yesterday city council leaders revealed the bridge would be open for the second year in a row.

Last month the Environment Agency officially declared a drought in the region.

Spokesman Sam Elfer said: “The water level in the Cherwell is now about 76cm and could be even lower in May with the current drought.”

South Central Ambulance emergency services manager for Oxfordshire Alan Weir, who was at the celebrations in 2005, warned people not to jump.

He said: “With the current drought, water levels are likely to be as low as they were in 2005.

“Some people have suffered life-changing injuries in the past.

“I saw people who were covered in blood after they jumped and it placed a big demand on our staff.”

Last year the bridge was opened for the first time since 2005 after many residents campaigned against it being closed.

The event can attract 15,000 people and contractors working for the city council barricaded the bridge to prevent people from jumping in.

Det Chief Insp Paul Hayles, of Thames Valley Police, said: “We support the decision taken by the council to reopen the bridge to the public for this year’s May Morning celebrations and will work closely with our partners to ensure this is done in a safe way.”

Magdalen College home bursar Mark Blandford-Baker said recent repairs to bells in Magdalen College Tower had been timed for completion last month in good time for May Morning.

He added: “We are going to test the bells properly next Friday. We couldn’t have done May Morning without them.”