Three families in Greater Manchester received devastating news after the bodies of two 15-year-old boys and a woman in her 60s were pulled from different bodies of water over a tragic weekend. Specialist rescue units and police scoured a lake, reservoir, and river following reports that all three had been reported missing after entering the water.
First Incident at Clifton Country Park
The first alarm was raised at around 4.51pm on Saturday, June 27, when officers were called to reports of a 15-year-old boy getting into difficulty in the River Irwell in Clifton Country Park. Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) officers and water rescue units attended, setting up a scene as a frantic search began. A group of teenagers were at the water at the time; a teenage girl was pulled out by friends and was unhurt but traumatised, while another boy managed to get out by himself.
Cordons were put in place as divers searched the water. 'No swimming' signs were displayed on bridge railings and fencing around the beauty spot. Specialist police divers, the TAU, and a drone were used in the major search operation.
Second Tragedy at Cowbury Reservoir
Just hours later, at around 6.30pm, police were deployed to Cowbury Reservoir in Stalybridge following reports of another 15-year-old boy who had gotten into difficulty after entering the water. Posters and signs warning of fatal open-water incidents were littered around the site. His body was later recovered, and police confirmed formal identification had taken place, though he has not been publicly named.
Chief Inspector Baxter of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) described the news as 'devastating', stating: '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.'
Reform Councillor Liam Duff said the local community was 'heartbroken', adding in a social media post: 'The tragic death of a 15-year-old boy at Cowbury Reservoir has left our whole community heartbroken. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him. As a community, we owe it to him and to every family to ask whether more can be done to help prevent tragedies like this from happening again.'
Third Incident in Bury
While the search for the teenager continued in Clifton throughout Sunday, June 28, police were alerted to another incident in Bury. At around 8.20pm, emergency crews were called to the Island Lodge area in Tottington, where a woman in her 60s was pulled from the water. Eyewitnesses reported a large police presence. A GMP spokesperson said: 'At around 8.20pm last night (28 June), officers responded to reports of a body in the water close to Mill Street, Tottington. Sadly, the body of a woman in her 60s was recovered from the water. There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.'
Body of First Boy Found After 24-Hour Search
Tragedy struck for a third time when GMP confirmed that the body of the first 15-year-old boy had been found in the River Irwell in Clifton Country Park following a search lasting more than 24 hours. Specialist police divers, the TAU, and a drone were used throughout Saturday night and Sunday. Police said: 'We have been working with our emergency service colleagues from GMFRS and NWAS. Sadly, a body has been located in the water today (Monday 29 June) and recovered from the North West Under Water Search and Marine Unit. Whilst formal identification has yet to take place, specialist officers are supporting the family at this difficult time.'
Detective Inspector Dave Ogden from Salford CID issued a further warning: 'Saturday’s incident is truly heart breaking, and my thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the young boy who has so tragically lost his life. While we are satisfied there are no suspicious circumstances, this incident is an incredibly upsetting reminder of the serious risks associated with open water. We understand people want to make the most of the warm weather, but we would urge everyone to stay safe and avoid entering reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds. Please take care and enjoy the weather in a safe way.'
Renewed Water Safety Warnings
The tragedies bring the number of open water deaths reported in the UK during the recent June heatwave to at least nine. Police and fire service bosses have stressed the dangers of swimming in open water, warning of strong currents, low water temperatures, and debris beneath the surface. This comes just weeks after a May heatwave saw 19 people lose their lives in open water, many of them children.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) urged people 'to have an honest conversation with the young people in their lives' about open water safety. Area Manager Steve Jordan said: 'The risks are real, and the consequences can be fatal. The thoughts of everyone in our service are with the family and friends affected by separate incidents in our waterways. These are upsetting reminders of how quickly situations can become dangerous around open water. 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. I am urging everyone to have an honest conversation with the young people in their lives. Please remind them that jumping into and swimming in our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, canals and quays can be extremely dangerous, particularly if they are not a strong swimmer.'
