The family of a 15-year-old boy who drowned during a heatwave in May has urged parents to warn their children about the dangers of open water. Declan Sawyer, from Lincoln, went missing after getting into difficulty at Swanholme Lakes in the city. Emergency services were called at around 2.30pm on Sunday, 24 May.
Search and Recovery
A search operation was launched, and Declan's body was recovered by an underwater search team and specialist divers. His father, Carl Sawyer, paid tribute online, describing his son as "very much loved." He said: "Our darling boy Declan was a funny and outgoing young man who loved his fishing and his football. He had a very cheeky smile and the personality to match. He was very much loved by his friends and family, and will be missed dearly by many."
Inquest Opened
An inquest was opened by Coroner Paul Smith at the Myle Cross Centre in Lincoln on Thursday, 25 June. It was confirmed that Declan's body was formally identified by Police Sergeant Thomas Hardy. A post-mortem examination conducted on Thursday, 28 May gave the medical cause of death as drowning. The inquest has been adjourned and is scheduled to resume on Monday, 23 November.
Family's Warning
The Sawyer family has urged all parents, friends, and families to ensure children are made fully aware of the dangers surrounding open water. They hope that by sharing their tragic loss, other families will be spared similar heartbreak.
