Five teenagers have died in open water over the Bank Holiday weekend during a heatwave, with Declan Sawyer, 15, and 13-year-old Reco among those who tragically lost their lives
Experts have issued stark warnings following the tragic drowning of five teenagers over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The family of a 15-year-old boy who tragically died in a lake have spoken out caution others about the hazards of open water. Declan Sawyer was found during a search of Swanholme Lakes near Lincoln on Sunday (May 24), as the UK experienced record-breaking high temperatures.
There is also heartbreak for the family of another teenage boy who “went missing in water” while taking a dip at a popular country park in Rotherham, Yorkshire, on Bank Holiday Monday (May 25). Police confirmed this morning that a body has been retrieved following an overnight search.
Abbie Carmody-Pepper, also aged 15, tragically lost her life while swimming at Burrow Beach, Sutton, Dublin, this weekend.
Her death occurred just hours after the body of a teenage girl was pulled from the water at Kingsbury Water Park in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.
Yesterday, a 13-year-old boy, known locally as “Reco,” was recovered from the water after he drowned in a reservoir in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Declan’s father Carl offered a heart-wrenching tribute to a “funny and outgoing young man” and doesn’t want any other parents to endure the same nightmare with the heatwave predicted to continue until the weekend, reports the Mirror.
“He had a very cheeky smile and the personality to match. He was very much loved by his friends and family, and will be missed dearly by many,” he said.
“We would like to raise awareness about children playing near any rivers or lakes in the hot weather. Please can all parents, friends and family make their children aware of the dangers surrounding water.”
A fire service has highlighted the risks associated with swimming in open water following an increase in fatalities in recent years.
Robert Hulatt, the head of prevention at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, cautioned that people must not presume that because they can swim in a swimming pool, they can handle the challenges of rivers, lakes, quarries and waterways – and states the “hidden dangers” render them hazardous.
“Even on a warm day the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing cold water shock, a physical reaction which can make it difficult to control breathing, cause panic and make it difficult to swim,” the group commander said.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves around water, but it’s crucial to remember that water can be unpredictable and dangerous. By following some simple safety tips, we can significantly reduce the risk of drowning.”
What to do if someone is struggling in water:
- Dial 999 and request the fire service – they are best equipped to handle a rescue
- Shout and encourage them to float on their back – reassure them that help is en route
- Locate a rescue aid such as a life ring, throw line or reach pole. If there is no public rescue aid equipment, throw anything that will float
- Resist the urge to enter. The water could be chilly, which would hinder your swimming ability.
- Before extracting someone from the water, kneel or lie down to prevent yourself from falling in.
- Maintain visual contact with the victim to assist emergency services in locating them more swiftly.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.