A 19-year-old man has tragically died after entering a lake in Nottinghamshire, marking the latest heatwave-related drowning in the UK. Emergency services were called to Balderton Lake in New Balderton, near Newark, at approximately 2:30pm on Thursday following reports that a man had entered the water.
Emergency Response
Police, fire crews, and paramedics attended the scene and rescued the teenager from the water. He had been at the lake with friends before entering the water. Paramedics treated him at the scene before rushing him to hospital. Nottinghamshire Police confirmed on Saturday that the young man had sadly passed away.
Police Statement
Chief Inspector Clive Collings expressed condolences, stating: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are solely with this young man's family. We recognise this will be very upsetting for the local community and we encourage people to access support if they need it." He added: "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."
Fire Service Warning
Group manager Charlotte Weatherall-Smith from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "On behalf of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of this young man at this incredibly difficult time." She emphasised the dangers of open water: "Even on warm and sunny days, water temperatures can be much colder than they appear, and entering the water can lead to cold water shock, which can be sudden, severe and potentially fatal."
Safety Advice
The fire service urged the public to call 999 immediately if they see someone in difficulty in the water, asking for the fire service. They advised encouraging the person to float on their back to stay calm and conserve energy, and warned against entering the water or attempting a rescue oneself, as this could put additional lives at risk.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water, especially during hot weather when people seek to cool off. The community is urged to stay safe and avoid swimming in unsupervised lakes, rivers, or reservoirs.
