Warnings issued about open waters after two boys drown in separate incidents in the West Midlands
Eight-year-old Joshua Hillstead was pulled from the River Arrow in Warwickshire on Monday while search teams recovered the body of a 16-year-old boy from a reservoir in Dudley yesterday.
Last updated 25th Jul 2024
People across the West Midlands are being urged to take extra care around open waters, especially as the school summer holidays have started.
Two boys have died this week in separate incidents in the West Midlands.
The body of a 16-year-old boy was recovered in the Lodge Farm Reservoir yesterday morning (24 July) after getting into difficulty on Tuesday night (23 July).
West Midlands Fire Service, which helped with the rescue efforts, said it is a "stark reminder of the dangers of open water".
In a statement on the website, the service said: "We are asking everyone to take extra care near reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and canals. Although the water might appear tempting and safe, it can be extremely cold. The currents are often too strong for even the best swimmers, and there can be hidden objects and dangers below the surface."
Specialist officers are supporting his family.
In a separate incident, a boy from Birmingham died following complications from drowning after being pulled from the River Arrow in Alcester, Warwickshire, on Monday.
Eight-year-old Joshua Hillstead, from Maypole, was taken to hospital to receive treatment but died on Tuesday evening (23 July).
Detective Inspector Heidi Twynham, from Warwickshire Police, said: “Losing a child is devastating, and we offer our condolences to the family after this tragic accident – we are liaising with the family to provide support.
“Fast, unpredictable currents and invisible deeper sections make rivers dangerous places, particularly for children and non-confident swimmers. Please take caution around our waterways."
The Royal Life Saving Society says an average of 307 UK and Irish citizens die from accidental drowning every year, with many more suffering injuries.
It advises people to only swim with others so help is on hand should you need it. It also urges people to only choose places with lifeguards and to acclimatise to water to avoid cold water shock.
Other advice on open water swimming can be found here.
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