A 15-year-old boy has died and another teenager is missing following two separate water incidents at beauty spots in Greater Manchester over the weekend. The body of the 15-year-old was recovered from Cowbury Reservoir in Stalybridge, Tameside, after a major emergency services operation. In Salford, a second teenage boy remains missing, with a large-scale search ongoing at Clifton Country Park.
Details of the Incidents
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said emergency services were called to Cowbury Reservoir at around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, following reports of a boy getting into difficulty in the water. His body was later recovered. Formal identification has taken place, and the boy's family has been informed, but he has not yet been named.
In a separate incident, police were called to Clifton Country Park just before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday after reports of a boy getting into difficulty in the River Irwell. A group of teenagers were at the water at the time. A teenage girl was pulled out by friends and is thought to be unhurt but traumatised. Another boy who entered the water managed to get out safely. The search for the missing boy continued throughout Sunday, with specialist police divers, the Tactical Aid Unit, and a drone deployed. As of 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, the search was ongoing.
Official Statements and Warnings
GMP Chief Inspector Helen Baxter described the news as 'devastating' and said: 'My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the young boy who sadly lost his life in such awful circumstances. We are confident that there are no suspicious circumstances and that this is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water.' She added: 'We remind the public to please avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds. We all want to enjoy the warm weather, but please make sure you do so in a safe way.'
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Steve Jordan urged people to have an honest conversation with young people about open water safety. He said: 'The risks are real, and the consequences can be fatal. Even on warm days, the water is cold enough to cause cold water shock - which can make you inhale water and affect your movement - if you jump in, fall in or enter the water suddenly. And there could be dangerous objects and strong currents beneath the surface.'
Broader Context and Safety Advice
These tragedies bring the number of open water deaths reported in the UK during the recent heatwave to seven. They come just weeks after a heatwave in May saw 19 people lose their lives in open water, many of them children. 'No swimming' signs are posted at Clifton Country Park, and officials stress the dangers of strong currents, low water temperatures, and hidden debris. Jordan advised: 'If they get into trouble themselves, they should 'float to live' - by tilting their head back, moving their hands and legs, and relaxing to control their breathing. And if they are with someone who gets into difficulty, they should not enter the water themselves.'
