LIVES LOST 

Five teens die in Bank Holiday heatwave tragedy after ‘getting into difficulty’ in water at popular beauty spots

FIVE teenagers have died in separate tragedies after getting into difficulty in water at popular beauty spots over the Bank Holiday.

A 13-year-old boy, two girls and a boy aged 15, and another teenage boy were pulled from water over the past few days amid rising temperatures.

Declan Sawyer holding a large fish by a lake.
The body of Declan Sawyer, 15, was found by police on May 24 after they conducted an extensive search of Swanholme Lakes in LincolnCredit: Facebook
 

Portrait of Abbie Carmody-Pepper in a school uniform.
Abbie Carmody-Pepper, 15, vanished at Burrow Beach in Howth, Dublin, with friends after entering the waterCredit: rip.ie
Until yesterday the highest temperature in May was 32.8C, but that record has now been broken by a full two degrees as Brits soak in the rays.

But it’s been a heartbreaking weekend for many, as several have died after being pulled from bodies of water.

The body of Declan Sawyer, 15, was found by police on May 24 after they conducted an extensive search of Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln.

Declan’s father, Carl, said his “darling boy” loved to spend his time playing football and going fishing.

Floral tributes and cards laid on a bridge overlooking a river.
Floral tributes on the bridge over The River Tame in Kingsbury, Warwickshire, where a teenage girl diedCredit: SWNS
 

Police and emergency services at Leadbeater Dam following a drowning.
A 13-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being pulled from Leadbeater Dam in Halifax, West Yorkshire, yesterday afternoonCredit: © YappApp
He has urged parents and children to be aware of the risks when swimming in any rivers or lakes during hot weather.

Carl said: “Our darling boy Declan was a funny and outgoing young man who loved his fishing and his football.

“He had a very cheeky smile and the personality to match. He was very much loved by his friends and family, and will be missed dearly by many.

“With his tragic and unexpected passing on Sunday 24th May at Swanholme Lakes, we would like to raise awareness about children playing near any rivers or lakes in the hot weather.

“Please can all parents, friends and family make their children aware of the dangers surrounding water.”

After hours of searching and with the help of a special dive team, the force found his body in the former quarry.

Abbie Carmody-Pepper, 15, vanished at Burrow Beach in Howth, Dublin, with friends after entering the water.

Her body was recovered from the water on Sunday evening following a search operation involving the Irish Cost Guard, gardai and RNLI from Howth.

Family friend Aoife has organised a GoFundMe page to raise funds to support the 15-year-old’s family with funeral costs.

Emergency services also raced to Kingsbury Water Park, Warwickshire, just after 6pm yesterday following concerns for the welfare of a girl in the water.

Sadly, the 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after her body was recovered at around 7.20pm, according to Warwickshire Police.

The force has launched an investigation into the circumstances and people have been urged not to speculate about what happened.

The River Tame in Kingsbury, Warwickshire, where a teenager died.
The River Tame in Kingsbury, Warwickshire where a teenage girl sadly diedCredit: SWNS
 

A police car parked next to a gate and a paved path leading to a bridge where people are standing.
Emergency services also raced to Kingsbury Water Park, Warwickshire, just after 6pm yesterday following concerns for the welfare of a girl in the waterCredit: SWNS
The cops said in a statement on Facebook: “Over the coming days, we’ll have officers in the area providing reassurance. So if you have any questions, please speak to them.”

A 13-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being pulled from Leadbeater Dam in Halifax, West Yorkshire, yesterday afternoon.

Emergency crews were scrambled to the popular dam at around 3.18pm.

West Yorkshire Fire, Police and Ambulance teams led the search for the youngster, who was later pulled from the water.

He was taken to hospital and, despite the best efforts of medics, was tragically declared dead.

The force said: “At 3.18pm, police were called to Leadbeater Dam on Lumb Lamb, Halifax to reports a teenage boy was in difficulty in the water.

“The body of a 13-year-old boy was pulled from the water. He was taken to hospital and was sadly pronounced dead.

“Enquiries are ongoing by Calderdale CID, however there aren’t believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Hundreds typically flock to Leadbeater Dam, which makes for a popular swimming spot in hot weather.

In another tragedy, emergency services rushed to Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, at around 7pm yesterday, following reports of a missing boy.

Tragically, his body was later discovered.

Large crowds are said to have headed to the park during the hot weather over the Bank Holiday.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called to Rother Valley Country Park at 6.50pm yesterday following reports that a teenage boy had entered the water but had not been seen getting out.

“Officers, alongside emergency crews from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, responded and a specialist search operation was launched.

“Sadly, in the early hours of this morning, a body was recovered from the water.

“Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, the boy’s family has been informed and is being supported by officers.”

Lancashire Police also rushed to a river in Ribchester following reports of a child in difficulty at around 2pm today.

Emergency services are searching the water after he went into the river while “swimming with friends”.

A man in his 60s has also tragically died after trying to save two family members struggling in the sea.

Emergency services scrambled to a beach in Cornwall yesterday at around 3.50pm.

A man went into cardiac arrest in the sea at Tregirls Beach in Padstow after he entered the water to try and save two family members, police said.

The family members were rescued by members of the public.

But the local man, who was in his 60s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) has urged people to stay safe after three teenagers died in separate incidents after getting into trouble at swimming spots in Yorkshire and Warwickshire.

It warned that “warmer weather unfortunately sees an increase in accidental drownings” and while air temperatures are hot, water temperatures remain very cold.

cre: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39223675/five-teens-die-bank-holiday-heatwave-water/