A 15-year-old boy has become the seventh person to die in open water during the UK's record-breaking heatwave, prompting police to issue an urgent safety plea. The teenager's body was recovered from Cowbury Reservoir in Stalybridge, Tameside, at 6.30pm on Saturday following a rescue operation.
In a separate incident, a 55-year-old woman died after entering a pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park in West Bromwich at 4.30pm on Saturday. The double tragedy brings the total number of open water deaths in the past week to seven, as people flock to reservoirs, rivers, and lakes to cool off during the scorching temperatures.
Police Warning After Teen's Death
Greater Manchester Police Chief Insp Helen Baxter said: “Saturday's events are nothing short of devastating and my thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the young boy who sadly lost his life in such awful circumstances. We are confident that there are no suspicious circumstances and that this is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water.”
Baxter added: “We remind the public to please 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.”
Other Victims Across the UK
Brody Leach, 22, was last seen swimming in the River Severn in Shrewsbury on Friday before his body was recovered on Saturday morning. The parents of Hayden Jones-Powell, 13, who died after entering the water at a lake in Syston, Leicestershire, at 1.30pm on Thursday, described him as having a “big smile”. Police divers recovered his body from Meynell Lake later that day.
In Hampshire, a 15-year-old boy's body was found at Testwood Lakes near Southampton after he was last seen in the water. Essex Police confirmed the death of a 69-year-old man in Clacton, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts from emergency services. A 50-year-old man died at Aberavon beach in Neath Port Talbot, Wales, after getting into difficulty while swimming on Wednesday.
Ongoing Search in Salford
Emergency crews are still searching for a boy who was seen in difficulty in the River Irwell at Clifton Country Park in Salford, Greater Manchester, on Saturday. Specialist police divers were dispatched on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 4.49pm on Saturday 27 June 2026, we were called to reports of a boy getting into difficulty in the River Irwell at Clifton Country Park. Emergency services and specialist search teams remain at the scene. The incident is ongoing.”
RNLI Safety Advice
Samantha Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI, said: “It’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.” She advised: “If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink—everyone floats differently.”
Heatwave Ending
Temperatures across the country are forecast to drop significantly and stabilise near the average into next week, ending a heatwave that broke UK records for June several times in succession, bringing scorching days and uncomfortable nights.
