The body of a 15-year-old boy has been recovered from Cowbury Reservoir in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, after he reportedly got into difficulty in the water on Saturday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene around 6:30 p.m. and a search operation was launched.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Saturday evening that specialist teams had recovered the teenager's body. Formal identification has been completed, and his family has been notified. Detectives from Tameside CID are investigating but have stated they are confident there are no suspicious circumstances.
Chief Inspector Helen Baxter issued a statement emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident and reminding the public of the dangers associated with open water. "This is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water," Baxter said. "We remind the public to please avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds."
The incident occurred as the UK experienced its hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 37.3C (99.1F) on Friday. This marks the latest in a series of drownings and disappearances during hot weather. During a heatwave in May, at least 15 people, many of them children, reportedly drowned while swimming in open water.
Authorities have repeatedly warned about the risks of cold water shock syndrome, which can be fatal, and the unpredictable nature of open water temperatures. Last year, 61% of drownings in England occurred at inland locations like reservoirs, rivers, lakes, and canals. Additionally, 63% of all accidental drownings happened during recreational activities such as swimming or boating.
Meanwhile, separate search operations were underway in Salford following reports of a boy in difficulty in the River Irwell at Clifton Country Park.