A coroner has warned about the "dangers of swimming in open water" following the death of a 15-year-old boy who drowned in a lake.
Declan Sawyer got into difficulty at Swanholme Lakes nature reserve in Lincoln during one of the first heatwaves to hit the UK, on May 24th this year.
At first his friends thought he was 'messing about' but then tried to help him, trying to get him to float on his back, the coroner was told.
Emergency services were alerted around 2.30pm and his body was found later that day. Coroner Marianne Johnson concluded his death was a result of misadventure and this week urged people to follow open water swimming advice.
Coroner's warning on hidden hazards
The coroner, sitting at Grimsby Town Hall, heard Declan, who had been with a group of friends, was not a strong swimmer and had got into difficulty while swimming to an island.
One of his friends said in a statement: "I thought he was faking it but he didn't come up." Declan's body was recovered from the lake at about 19:00 BST following an extensive search.
The coroner, who gave the cause of death as drowning, said: "This tragic incident highlights the inherent dangers of swimming in open water.
"Unlike controlled environments such as swimming pools, open water can present a range of hidden hazards, including cold water shock, strong currents, sudden changes in depth, poor visibility, and underwater obstacles.
"Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures can be deceptively low and can quickly lead to disorientation, breathing difficulties, and exhaustion. These risks can affect swimmers of all ages and abilities, often with little warning."
She urged anyone entering open water to carefully assess the conditions, swim only where it is safe to do so, avoid swimming alone and be aware of "the potentially life-threatening consequences" of unexpected difficulties in the water.
Family tributes and awareness campaign
In a tribute to Declan read to the court, his father Carl described him as a popular boy, who loved football and fishing. "I can't put into words the effect this has had," he said. "Declan was my boy."
He said the support they had received had been overwhelming and showed what a popular young man Declan was. "Our lives will never be the same again," he added.
His mum said on Facebook this week: "Three months today my son, Declan Marley Sawyer words cannot describe how much I'm missing you and feel lost…but I will forever talk about you son. I'd do anything to have you back. Anything!!"
This week The Mirror, as part of its Saves Lives for Same water safety campaign, told how 18 bereaved families are pleading with the PM to intervene and meet them in a bid to stop the 'national epidemic' of drownings. Declan was one of at least 55 people who have died in water related incidents this year.
Fundraising appeal
A GoFundMe page has raised almost £11,000 for Declan. The family's appeal said that Sunday, May 24th should have been "a beautiful bank holiday weekend" but instead their lives were "shattered".
"Declan was a beautiful, funny kind lad…would also like to say that this has brought massive awareness not just in Lincolnshire but highlights the danger of water and will hopefully save others lives."
