Youngsters warned against open water swimming after teenager drowns
Youngsters are being urged not to go swimming in lakes, rivers and reservoirs during the hot weather, following the death of a 15-year-old boy.
He died after going in to a lake with friends in the Pelsall area of Walsall yesterday evening (20 June). His body was recovered after an hour-long search by emergency services.
Emergency services have now issued warnings about the dangers of playing in open water, urging youngsters not to take the risk.
West Midlands Fire Service's area commander Ben Brook, speaking after the death, said:
West Midlands Ambulance Service said:
The fire service said drowning was one of the most common causes of death for people under 16 in the summer months.
The tragedy followed another incident at a reservoir in Rochdale, GreaterManchester, on Monday in which a 16-year-old boy died.