A 15-year-old girl who died after getting into difficulties in the sea off Merseyside wanted to be a nurse so she could 'give back', her family has said. Chiedza Nyanjowa, from Cheshire, was taken to Alder Hey children's hospital after swimming at Formby beach on bank holiday Monday.
Members of the public tried to help Chiedza, but she died in hospital on Saturday, Merseyside Police said. Her family described her as a 'bubbly person' who loved Christ and going to church, and said she loved cooking and was a giver.
In a statement, police said: 'Her family would like to express their gratitude to everyone that helped Chiedza. Her family are glad that there were people around her to support her; their support shows that she was loved.' A report has been passed to Sefton coroner's office.
The number of people who have died after getting into difficulties in water during the current heatwave has reached 14. In a separate incident, a 19-year-old man died after entering Balderton Lake in Nottinghamshire on Thursday.
Chief Inspector Clive Collings said: 'During hot weather we know people want to keep cool but open waters are exceptionally dangerous as there is no way of telling what's beneath the surface.' The Royal Life Saving Society has warned that water temperatures remain very cold despite increased air temperatures, and cold water shock can make swimming difficult.
