Fire chiefs call for urgent action on drownings after boy's body, 16, recovered from lake

2 May 2025, 00:30

Fire chiefs are calling for urgent national action to prevent drownings after a 16-year-old boy died while swimming in a lake during a spell of hot weather.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has urged the Government to give fire services in England a legal duty to respond to water emergencies, such as rescues in rivers, lakes and canals.

The call comes during the NFCC’s Be Water Aware campaign and as emergency services report a rise in water-related incidents.

The teenager died after getting into difficulty at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham on Wednesday evening. His body was recovered hours later.

Chief Inspector David Mather of Nottinghamshire Police said: “While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.”

Tom Staples, from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the incident was a “stark reminder” of the hidden dangers in open water.

NFCC water safety lead Chris Kirby said: “1,400 people have died in accidental drowning incidents across just five years.

“We need urgent action to prevent anybody else coming to harm and that requires steps being taken at a national level.”

The NFCC says the lack of a legal duty in England means fire services face limits on how much they can invest in water rescue training, equipment and education. It also leads to inconsistencies across the UK, with Wales having a statutory duty for inland water rescue, and Scotland and Northern Ireland holding duties in relation to major flooding.

Kirby said clearer responsibilities for fire and rescue services, backed by law and funding, would help improve emergency response and public safety campaigns.

Figures from the Water Incident Database show 1,409 people died in accidental drownings between 2019 and 2023, with more than half in inland waters.

Temperatures reached 29.3C at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday – the hottest May 1 on record – with fire services warning of a surge in water incidents.

Read More: Migrant Channel crossing arrivals pass 11,000 this year alone during spring warm spell

Emergency services were called to Colwick Country Park near Nottingham at 5.20pm on Wednesday after the boy got into difficulty while swimming in the water.

His body was recovered shortly before 8pm yesterday.

The boy’s family have been informed and are now being supported by specially-trained officers.

Chief Inspector David Mather, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Emergency services have sadly recovered the body of a teenage boy from the lake, despite the best efforts of rescue teams.

“This is a tragic discovery and our thoughts are with this boy's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“While work is now underway to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.

“As in this tragic case, open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that – particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.”

The boy’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.

Group Manager Tom Staples, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“Despite the tireless efforts of all the emergency services involved, we are deeply saddened to confirm that the body of a 16-year-old boy has been recovered at Colwick Country Park.

“On behalf of the Service, and personally, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the boy’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

“This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water. We urge everyone to take care around lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water. Safety information and guidance are available on our website, and we encourage the public to familiarise themselves with it to help prevent future tragedies.”

Councillor Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture, added:

“This is an absolutely tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young person who has sadly died.

"We will be working with Notts Police and Notts Fire and Rescue Service to understand the full circumstances of what happened but we join with them in highlighting the extreme dangers that open water such as lakes, rivers, quarries or canals can present.

"As the current warm spell continues and as we approach the summer season we urge people to follow the guidance at Colwick park and other sites and not enter the water unless as part of properly supervised open water swimming sessions.”