An 18-year-old man has died after getting into difficulty at Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth, Oldham, marking the second water-related death in Greater Manchester within 48 hours. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that specialist water rescue teams were dispatched to the scene on Friday evening, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency Response at Dovestone Reservoir
Emergency services were called to the reservoir in Greenfield at around 7pm on Friday. Fire engines from Oldham, Mossley, Stalybridge, and Salford responded, alongside specialist water rescue resources from Heywood and Ashton-under-Lyne. Firefighters worked with North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police to locate and rescue the casualty from the water.
Despite the efforts of all emergency services, the man was sadly pronounced deceased. A GMFRS spokesperson said: "The thoughts of everyone at GMFRS are with the family and friends of the man at this difficult time. Firefighters remained in attendance for several hours."
Police Investigation and Safety Warning
Detective Inspector Steven Horton of Greater Manchester Police said: "We have tragically recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water and are conducting extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."
He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the dangers of open water. We strongly encourage people to stay safe and refrain from entering large bodies of water including reservoirs, rivers, canals, or ponds. Your safety is our priority. Please look after yourselves and enjoy the weather safely."
Previous Tragedy at Sykes Reservoir
This incident follows the death of a 49-year-old man who died after getting into difficulty at Sykes Reservoir at Alexandra Park in the Edgeley area of Stockport on Thursday night. Both deaths have prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of open water swimming.
Search Operation at Chorlton Water Park
On Friday night, another major search operation was launched at Chorlton Water Park following reports that several people were 'struggling' in the water. Firefighters and two specialist water rescue units conducted a full sweep of the lake. After a 40-minute search, it emerged that all individuals had left the water before emergency services arrived.
