At least 15 people have now died in water during hot weather in UK
At least 15 people have died offshore across the UK due to a heatwave and hot weather.
The Royal Life-Saving Society has urged people to “stop and think” before entering the water in response to the deaths, many of which were children.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has warned of the increased risk of cold water shock, the body’s natural physical response to sudden immersion in cold water.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said the response was instantaneous and could lead to drowning. Anyone who suddenly enters cold water is at risk, especially if they accidentally fall or jump. Cold water shock can affect anyone, regardless of swimming ability.
A 13-year-old girl was pronounced dead after being pulled from the water in the River Wharfe in North Yorkshire on Sunday, taking the number of water-related deaths during the hot weather to at least 15.
This is where deaths from water-related incidents are reported.
Swanholme Lakes, Lincolnshire
Declan Sawyer, 15, died after getting into trouble at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln.
Emergency services were called to Swanholme Lakes at 2.30pm on 24 May following reports that Declan had gone into the water and was lost.
West Angle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire
Also on May 24, a 72-year-old woman died after being pulled from the water at around 15.15 at West Angle Bay beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Leadbeater Dam, West Yorkshire
A 13-year-old boy, identified as Reco Puttock, died after getting into trouble at Leadbeater Dam near Halifax, West Yorkshire, on 25 May.
Kingsbury Water Park, Warwickshire
On May 25, the body of a young girl was pulled from the water at Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire.
Tregirls Beach, Cornwall
On the same day, a man in his sixties died of a heart attack after diving into the sea at Tregirls Beach in Padstow to help two family members in distress, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
The two families were taken to a safe place by citizens.
Rother Valley Country Park, South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire Police said the body of a teenager was pulled from the water at Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26.
Lake Hawley, Hampshire
A body has been discovered during the search for a teenage boy who went missing after he was last seen swimming in a lake on the Hampshire-Surrey border.
Hampshire Constabulary said a multi-agency search was launched on Tuesday afternoon following the disappearance at Hawley Lake near Blackwater.
Ribchester, Lancashire
A 12-year-old boy who died after getting into trouble in the River Ribble in Ribchester, Lancashire, on Tuesday has been named Junior Slater, from Clayton-le-Woods.
Lake Pickmere, Cheshire
The body of a 17-year-old boy has been found after he went missing from Pickmere Lake in Marston, Northwich, Cheshire Police said on Wednesday.
In a tribute published by police, David Tita Jr’s family said the boy was “caring, sensitive, brave and full of light”.
Swanscombe, Kent
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to reports of concern about a person in the water near Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe, Dartford, just before 3pm on Wednesday.
He added that the young man’s body was found at the scene and his death was not considered suspicious.
River Thames, Donnington Bridge, Oxfordshire
Thames Valley Police said a 14-year-old boy died after getting into trouble in the River Thames at Donnington Bridge on Wednesday.
Bracklinn Falls, near Callander in Stirlingshire
The body of 16-year-old Charlie Noble was recovered from Bracklinn Falls, near Callander in Stirlingshire, on Thursday evening.
Formby Beach, Merseyside
The 15-year-old girl, who was taken to hospital after getting into trouble on Formby beach on May 25, was announced to have died in hospital on Saturday.
Chiedza Nyanjowa, from Cheshire, was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital following the incident and later died.
Lake Balderton, Nottinghamshire
A 19-year-old man, who was at the lake with friends, was rescued from the water at Balderton Lake off Heron Way in New Balderton on Thursday afternoon.
On Saturday, Nottinghamshire Police said the man did not survive, adding that his family had been informed and was being supported by specialist officers.
River Wharfe, Burnsall, North Yorkshire
A 13-year-old girl who was reported missing in the River Wharfe near Burnsall in the Skipton district has died, North Yorkshire Police said late on Sunday.
