The body of a 15-year-old boy has been recovered from Clifton Country Park in Swinton, Greater Manchester, after he got into difficulty in the water during a heatwave. Emergency services were called at 4:51 PM on Saturday following reports of a teenager in trouble in the water. Underwater search teams from the North West Under Water Search and Marine Unit located the body.
Police Confirm Family Notified
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that, while formal identification is yet to take place, the boy's family have been notified and are receiving support from specialist officers. Detective Inspector Dave Ogden said: "Saturday's incident is truly heart breaking, and my thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the young boy who has so tragically lost his life. While we are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances, this incident is an incredibly upsetting reminder of the serious risks associated with open water."
Urgent Warning to Public
Ogden urged the public to stay safe during hot weather: "We understand people want to make the most of the warm weather, but we would urge everyone to stay safe and avoid entering reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds. Please take care and enjoy the weather in a safe way." High temperatures are expected to return later this week.
Multiple Drowning Incidents Across UK
This tragedy follows the recovery of another 15-year-old boy's body from Cowbury Reservoir in Stalybridge, Tameside, on Saturday evening. In a separate incident, a 55-year-old woman died after entering a pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park in West Bromwich, West Midlands. Other recent drowning victims include 13-year-old Hayden Jones-Powell from Syston, Leicestershire; 22-year-old Brody Leach, whose body was retrieved from the River Severn in Shrewsbury; and a 15-year-old boy whose body was found at Testwood Lakes near Southampton.
Campaign for Water Safety
In response to these deaths, The Mirror launched the "Save Lives for Sam" campaign at the beginning of June to prevent the "catastrophic" loss of 33 children who drown in England every year—"the equivalent of a classroom of children lost." Campaigners have labelled drowning across the UK an "epidemic" and a "national emergency." The campaign, backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations, and bereaved families, calls for compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of Sam's Law, and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety.
