Boy, 13, becomes seventh to lose their life in Britain’s heatwave after he got into trouble swimming
A 13-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulty in a river near Ovingham, Northumberland yesterday.
On Sunday afternoon, a body was found in the water following a search.
It is believed to be the seventh water-related tragedy since the heatwave began, as Brits try to cool off in the sweltering heat.
Detective chief inspector Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This is an absolutely tragic update that we sincerely hoped we would never have to give.
‘Sadly, after extensive searches carried out in the river yesterday afternoon and evening, a body has been found and we believe it to be the male who was reported missing.’
With temperatures possibly set to hit 43C tomorrow and already on track for the warmest day ever today, lots of people have been taking dips in open water.
However police have issued warnings to the public, urging caution and asking people to stay out of the water despite the heat.
A body of a 13-year-old boy has been found following a large-scale search in the River Tyne near Ovingham, Northumberland (Pictured: search underway yesterday)
Formal ID has yet to take place but Northumbria Police said they believe it is the missing boy
A 37-year-old man also died after getting into difficulties while swimming in the sea at Brighton. Since the heatwave began, at least seven people have sadly drowned
A 37-year-old man died after being pulled out of the sea at Brighton beach on Saturday evening.
Emergency services rushed to the medical incident on Brighton beach, near Grand Junction Road, at about 7.10pm on July 16.
Police confirmed that the man was taken to hospital but later sadly died, his next of kin have been informed.
‘There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner,’ a police spokesman said.
Speaking to The Argus, a witness at the scene said a man was pulled from the water before that area of the beach was cleared.
‘I have small children so didn’t really get close, but the police came and cleared the beach,’ she said,
‘We saw him being dragged out of the water and CPR being administered. The ambulance staff and police were there within two or three minutes.’
On Sunday afternoon a 50-year-old man died at Ardsley Reservoir, West Yorkshire, it was reported he got into difficulty while swimming.
Det Insp Phil Hughes of Leeds CID said: ‘This incident serves as a timely reminder about the dangers of swimming in open water.
‘The weather is due to get hotter this week, I would urge people to not enter or swim in reservoirs or open waters.’
A 16-year-old boy died after being seen struggling while swimming with friends in Salford Quays on Saturday
Jamie Lewin, 16, drowned in a quarry at Dawber Delph, Appley Bridge, near Wigan on Saturday
Alfie McCraw, 16, from Wakefield died after jumping into a West Yorkshire canal with friends
Emma Louise Powell, 24, drowned while paddleboarding in North Wales on Thursday
On Saturday a 16-year-old boy drowned in Salford Quays on Saturday, causing Greater Manchester Police to issue a fresh warning.
Det Insp Joanne Johnston, said: ‘We remind the public to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.
‘We all want to enjoy the warm weather; please make sure you do so in a safe way. Think of your family – look out for your friends.’
Two other schoolboys drowned in separate swimming accidents last week.
After getting into difficulties while swimming in a quarry at Appley Bridge, Lancashire, on July 9, Jamie Lewin, 16, died.
Just two days later Alfie McCraw, also 16, from Wakefield, died after swimming in a West Yorkshire canal.
In North Wales, Emma Louise Powell, 24, drowned while paddleboarding with two pals on Thursday evening.
All three were pulled form the water at Conwy Morfa beach following a major rescue operation, but tragically Emma, from Llandudno, could not be saved.
