Investigations continue into teenage drowning in Scunthorpe
Officers found the 14-year-old's body at Ashby Ville
Police are continuing to investigate how a 14-year-old boy drowned at a nature reserve in Scunthorpe.
Officers were called out to Ashby Ville around 3pm on Tuesday after reports a teenager had got into difficulty whilst playing in the water.
Specialist officers from Humberside Police's underwater search unit later found his body.
Tributes have been paid as people left behind flowers and notes.
"I’m not shocked, but it angers me that it’s still happening"
Rebecca Ramsay started teaching people about the dangers of water after her 13-year-old son Dylan drowned while swimming in open water. She said:
"It’s just heartbreaking that another family now lives my tragic life. It’s a nightmare, I’m not going to sit here and say things get better, it doesn’t.
"Right now they’re going to be in just going to be in a total state of shock and disbelief. How could this possibly happen to my child?"
She added:
"Many many weeks are going to go by before, sadly, this family even comes to terms with the fact that their child isn’t coming home.
"I’m not sure I’ve come to terms with the fact my child's not coming home.
"Quite often I will sit and I'll watch the clock tick down, 60 seconds, and think that's how quick it was for my whole world to change, my whole life to be in pieces and sadly another family, yet again, is now living with these tragic circumstances."
“Our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones at this very sad and difficult time"
Detective Chief Inspector Grant Taylor says the family is being supported by specialist trained officers, as they come to terms with the tragic incident. He said:
“The local neighbourhood police team will continue to support and speak to residents in the area and I encourage people to talk to them if they have any concerns.
“As part of our investigation we are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to please contact us.
“We’d particularly like to speak with a man who we believe may have seen what happened and hold key information that would help with our enquiries.
"He is described as wearing a black polo shirt with grey denim shorts, and is reported to have white hair and a beard."
A spokesperson for North Lincolnshire Council says their hearts go out to the family and friends of the young person:
“We don’t yet know the circumstances surrounding this terrible incident.
"A police investigation is currently underway.”
#GetWaterWise
For the past few months Viking FM has been highlighting the risks of open water swimming.
Cold water, unexpected currents and hidden machinery can all play a part in causing deaths.
27 people accidentally drowned in Lincolnshire over the past 5 years.
It's after a 40% increase in the number of cases.
In 2019 there were 5, rising to 7 in 2020.
Last year, the county had the 10th highest number of accidental drownings.
Know the facts on accidental drowning in Lincolnshire over the last 5 years:
- 85% were male
- 74% were in inland areas like reservoirs, lakes and back gardens
- 59% never even intended to be in the water
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.