The perils of swimming in open water have been laid bare following the deaths of five children over the Bank Holiday weekend, with the fire service concerned the message is still not getting through.
Tragedies Across the UK and Ireland
Experts have issued blunt warnings after five teenagers drowned in separate incidents. The family of Declan Sawyer, a 15-year-old boy who died in a lake, have spoken out to urge others to be aware of the dangers. Declan was found during a search of Swanholme Lakes near Lincoln on Sunday as the UK recorded record-breaking high temperatures.
Another teenage boy went missing in water while cooling off at a popular country park in Rotherham, Yorkshire, on Bank Holiday Monday. Police confirmed a body was recovered after an overnight search. Abbie Carmody-Pepper, also 15, lost her life while bathing at Burrow Beach in Sutton, Dublin. Her death came hours after a teenage girl's body was retrieved from Kingsbury Water Park in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. On the same day, a 13-year-old boy, named locally as "Reco," drowned in a reservoir in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Father's Heartbreaking Tribute
Declan's father Carl paid tribute to a "funny and outgoing young man" and urged parents to raise awareness about the dangers of water. "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," he said. "We would like to raise awareness about children playing near any rivers or lakes in the hot weather. Please can all parents, friends and family make their children aware of the dangers surrounding water."
Fire Service Warning
Robert Hulatt, head of prevention at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, warned that people must not assume swimming pool skills are enough for open water. Hidden dangers include cold water shock, which can cause difficulty breathing, panic, and swimming challenges. "Even on a warm day, the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing a physical reaction that makes it difficult to control breathing," he said.
Safety Advice
If someone is struggling in water, call 999 and ask for the fire service, shout and encourage them to float on their back, and find a rescue aid such as a life ring or throw line. Do not go in yourself; instead, get down on one knee or lie down to avoid falling in, and keep sight of the casualty to help emergency services locate them quickly.
