A warning has been issued following seven water-related deaths during the recent heatwave. Police said the death of a 15-year-old boy this weekend is a “sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water”.
The UK has basked in boiling temperatures over the last week, with many Brits opting to cool off in the sea, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. However, seven people have died after getting into trouble in the water, including a boy who was recovered near Cowbury Reservoir, Stalybridge, on Saturday evening (June 27). It came after the body of Brody Leach, 22, was recovered from the River Severn in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, in the morning. A second 15-year-old boy also died after getting into trouble in the water at Testwood Lakes near Southampton.
Following the death of the boy in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester Police Chief Inspector Helen Baxter said: “Yesterday’s events are nothing short of devastating and my thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the young boy who sadly lost his life in such awful circumstances.
“We are confident that there are no suspicious circumstances and that this is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water. We remind the public to please avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds. We all want to enjoy the warm weather; please make sure you do so in a safe way.”
Elsewhere, police confirmed the death of a man, 69, in Clacton on Friday while the body of a woman was also recovered from a pool in Sandwell Valley Country Park in West Bromwich. Earlier in the week, a 50-year-old man was pronounced dead at Aberavon beach on the south coast of Wales while a teenage boy also died after getting into trouble in a lake in Syston, Leicestershire.
Samantha Hughes, the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI, said: “It’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.
“If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink—everyone floats differently.
“Where possible, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency remember to call 999 for the coastguard.”