A large-scale search and rescue operation is ongoing for a 15-year-old boy who went missing while swimming at Testwood Lakes nature reserve in Hampshire during the UK's hottest June day on record. Emergency services were called to the scene near Totton at approximately 1:35pm on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, and have been combing the area since.
Multi-Agency Response
The search involves multiple agencies including the National Police Air Service, South Central Ambulance Service, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service. Police have deployed marine units to aid in the search and have urged the public to avoid the area. A police spokesperson stated: "A multi-agency operation is under way following a report that a 15-year-old boy is missing after he was last seen swimming at Testwood Lakes near Totton. This was reported to police at 1.35pm on Wednesday 24 June and the area is currently off limits while our search operation is ongoing. Please avoid the area at this time."
Record Heatwave Conditions
The incident occurred on a day when the UK experienced its hottest June temperature ever recorded, with Gosport in Hampshire reaching 36.1C. The extreme heat may have contributed to the situation, as many people sought to cool off in lakes and other bodies of water.
Hampshire Police have advised the public to stay away from Testwood Lakes to allow emergency services to carry out their work. The search continues, and further updates are expected as the operation progresses.
