Many children among 15 people to have died in water during UK heatwave
A cordon is drawn at Pickmere Lake where emergency services recovered the body of a boy believed to be a missing 17-year-old, a day after the UK recorded its hottest ever May temperature (Reuters)
At least 15 people, including many children, have died in open water across the UK during a recent heatwave.
The Royal Life Saving Society urged people to ‘stop and think’ before entering water, while the UK Health Security Agency warned of cold water shock.
Fatalities occurred in various locations such as rivers, lakes, and beaches, with victims ranging from young teenagers to adults.
Cold water shock, a body’s natural reaction to sudden immersion, was highlighted as a significant risk that can lead to immediate drowning, regardless of swimming ability.
Specific incidents included the deaths of a 13-year-old girl in the River Wharfe, a 15-year-old boy in Lincoln, and a 17-year-old boy in Pickmere Lake.
