Family pays tribute to girl, 15, who died after swimming at Merseyside beach | Merseyside

The family of a 15-year-old girl who died in a difficult situation at sea off Merseyside wanted to become a nurse so she could “give back”.

Chiedza Nyanjowa, from Cheshire, was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after swimming at Formby beach on bank holiday Monday, Merseyside police said.

Police said the woman died in hospital on Saturday, becoming the 13th victim of fatal water-related incidents during last week’s unprecedented hot weather.

Police said members of the public tried to help Chiedza.

Merseyside police said: “His family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who helped Chiedza.

“His family is happy to have people around him to support him; their support shows that he is loved.

“This is a difficult time for the family who appreciate any prayers.

“His family describes him as a cheerful person. He loved Jesus and going to church.

“She loved cooking, was a giver, and wanted to be a nurse when she grew up so she could give back.

“He will be greatly missed and remembered for his gentle spirit.”

The report into Chiedza’s death has been forwarded to the Sefton coroner’s office.

In Norfolk, emergency services continue to search for a man in the River Yare at Surlingham.

Norfolk Constabulary said search teams from the police, fire brigade, coastguard and air ambulance service were called to a section of the river near Ferry Road at 2.33pm on Friday following reports of fears for the safety of a man.

Searches using specialized equipment such as drones, thermal imaging cameras and sonar were conducted early Saturday and continued late that morning.

Sweltering conditions have attracted many people to open water swimming, resulting in several deaths in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire in recent days.

The Met Office said England and Wales on Tuesday experienced its hottest May days on record, with temperatures rising to 35.1C in Kew Gardens in west London, while Cardiff’s Bute Park measured 32.9C.

The Royal Life Saving Society has issued a warning saying that despite rising temperatures following the deadly incidents, water temperatures remain very cold and cold water shock can make swimming and exiting the water difficult.

The RLSS added that anyone who sees someone in an emergency in the water should call 999, stay out of the water themselves and throw something floating at them, such as a plastic water bottle or football, for them to hold on to.