Boy, 16, becomes fourth person to drown in open water amid heatwave

A 16-year-old boy has become the fourth person to drown in open water as Britain swelters in potential record-breaking temperatures.

The teenager died after getting into difficulty earlier today in Bray Lake, near Maidenhead, in Berkshire.

Thames Valley Police said officers were called at 11.45am to the site and a search of the water was carried out by the force as well as other emergency services, including fire crews.

The youngster was found just after 1.30pm and died at the scene.

Superintendent Michael Greenwood, the local policing area commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, said it was an “absolute tragedy”.

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A 13-year-old boy, from Crawcrook, died after getting into trouble while swimming in the River Tyne near Ovingham, Northumberland, on Sunday.

Robert Hattersley’s family has paid tribute to him, saying: “It is impossible to put into words the heartbreak we are feeling – Robert was so kind and loving. We are absolutely devastated by what has happened.

“He brought a smile to so many people’s faces and he will be missed by absolutely everyone who knew and loved him.

“We’d like to thank all the emergency services who worked so hard to try to find Robert, as well as everyone who has been in touch passing on their messages of condolence.”

Also, a 50-year-old man lost his life after getting into difficulty at Ardsley Reservoir near Leeds. A body, thought to be his, was found on Sunday.

And a 16-year-old boy died after he was seen struggling in the water at Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, on Saturday.

Police, fire and ambulance services were called and a body was later located and recovered by specialist divers.

Met Office forecasters issued a red warning for Monday and Tuesday in an indication of temperatures projected to soar above 40C.

Top tips to stay cool in the hot weather

Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm and avoid physical exertion

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol

Close curtains in rooms that face the sun

Never leave anyone in a parked car – and check in on elderly and vulnerable neighbours

Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat

Check medicines can be stored according to instructions – and check that your fridges, freezers and fans are working properly

On Sunday, College of Paramedics chief executive Tracy Nicholls warned the “ferocious heat” the UK is predicted to experience over the next few days could lead to deaths.

She told Sky News’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: “This isn’t like a lovely hot day where we can put a bit of sunscreen on, go out and enjoy a swim and a meal outside.

“This is serious heat that could actually, ultimately, end in people’s deaths because it is so ferocious. We’re just not set up for that sort of heat in this country.”

The UK Health Security Agency raised its heat health warning to Level 4 – a “national emergency” – on Friday.

Level 4 is reached when “a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system”.

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