A 13-year-old boy died after he got into difficulty swimming in a reservoir in West Yorkshire during the bank holiday heatwave, police confirmed on Tuesday.Emergency services attended Leadbeater Dam, Lumb Lane, Halifax, about 3.20pm on Monday after reports the teenager was struggling in the water. The boy was rescued and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police rule out foul play
West Yorkshire Police said Calderdale CID is investigating the incident but there are currently no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.Police said in a statement that police, firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene after receiving calls from the public.Leadbeater Dam is a popular local swimming spot, especially during hot weather.
Britain records hottest May Day on record
The tragedy comes as the UK experiences unusually high temperatures, with the Met Office confirming it was the hottest May day on record in the UK.Kew Gardens in southwest London hit 34.8°C on Monday, setting a provisional record for the hottest spring weather temperature in the UK.Forecasters warned temperatures could rise further on Tuesday, with parts of southern England and Wales expected to reach 35°C or even 36°C.
Another teen found dead during Lake Lincoln search
In a separate incident, police confirmed a body had been found during the search for 15-year-old Declan Sawyer, who went missing after entering Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln on Sunday afternoon.Lincolnshire Police said a specialist diving team recovered the body later that evening. The teenager’s family have been notified and are being supported by officers.“Our thoughts are with his family at this extremely difficult time,” police said, urging the public not to spread unverified information online.
New concerns about open water safety
The spate of tragedies has renewed concerns about water safety as temperatures soar and people flock to lakes, reservoirs and dams across the UK.Authorities continue to warn people of the potential dangers of open water, including cold water surges, strong currents and sudden drops in depth, even on hot days.
