The tragic faces of the Brits who died in open water during heatwaves... with more drownings feared as UK hits record-breaking temperatures

Published: 01:03, 26 June 2026 | Updated: 01:08, 26 June 2026 Fifteen youngsters and five adults tragically lost their lives as a record-breaking heatwave hit the UK last month - with more feared as Britain sizzled this week.  Tragedy struck at reservoirs, lakes and rivers across the country, leading to widespread warnings about the dangers faced in water. The warnings have been shared again as thousands of people flock from near and far to popular swimming spots to cool down in scorching conditions. Britons are currently sweltering under a 'heat dome' - with temperatures reaching 36.7C on Thursday, after Gosport in Hampshire hit 36.1C on Wednesday, breaking the record set in 1976.  Already this week, two people have died and another two are missing after entering the water. A 15-year-old boy is missing after he was last seen swimming at Testwood Lakes in Totton, Hampshire on Wednesday. Another teenager is missing after he was seen entering Meynell Lake in Leicestershire.  On Thursday, a 50-year-old man died at Aberavon Beach in Wales after suffering a medical emergency in the sea.  And on Monday, a mother died after suffering a medical emergency in the sea at Southbourne Beach in Dorset. Grieving families and rescue charities have urged members of the public to take extreme caution in water and have called for more water safety education in schools. In May, at least three of the victims were said to have been unable to swim or not strong swimmers. From September, it will be compulsory to teach water safety education in Relationships and Sex and Health Education (RSHE) lessons under the school curriculum. But with summer fast approaching, campaigners are calling for schools to start teaching water safety even earlier. In a harrowing week at the end of May, 20 people died at beaches, rivers and beauty spots around the country.  The tragedies began on Sunday, May 25, when three people lost their lives as a week of unseasonal warmth began. Declan Sawyer had gone to Swanholme Lakes - a nature reserve near his home in Lincoln - as the local temperature soared to 27C. He was reported missing after getting into trouble at around 2.30pm on Saturday, May 24. A huge search operation was mounted at the former quarry using police divers. His body was then found on the Sunday morning. In a tribute, his grieving father Carl said: 'Our darling boy Declan was a funny and outgoing young man who loved his fishing and his football. He had a very cheeky smile and the personality to match. He was very much loved by his friends and family, and will be missed dearly by many. 'As a family we would like to have some privacy at this very sad and upsetting time to process our loss. Many thanks.' His aunt, Lindsey Sawyer, also released a tribute to the youngster who was a keen fisherman and footballer. She said: 'Words cannot describe how utterly heartbroken we are.. how life can change so fast and in such a tragic way…… we loved you like you was our own , looking at all the amazing memories you shared with us…. 'RIP Declan forever in our hearts… x.' Carl also issued a warning to parents and teenagers about the potential dangers, adding: 'With his tragic and unexpected passing on Sunday, May 24, at Swanholme Lakes, we would like to raise awareness about children playing near any rivers or lakes in the hot weather.  'Please can all parents, friends and family make their children aware of the dangers surrounding water.' Hero father Rushabh Patel was having a Bank Holiday picnic with his young family when he witnessed two people in trouble in the water at a river. The 28-year-old bravely jumped into the wild swimming spot at the River Great Ouse in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. He saved the lives of the two swimmers, but tragically could not save himself from the water. It is understood that Mr Patel, who was the father of an 18-month-old daughter, suffered a cardiac arrest in the water. He was airlifted to Milton Keynes University where, despite the best medical efforts, he died a few days later. He went on to save five further people through donating his organs. In a heartfelt tribute, Mr Patel's sibling Aman said the father-of-one's 'legacy continues in the hearts and lives of those saved'. They continued: 'A true hero never dies - he lives on through the lives he touched. No words can describe the heartbreak his family is experiencing. 'A young wife has lost the love of her life. A little girl, only 18 months old, has lost the father who will never get the chance to watch her grow up. His parents have lost their beloved son. 'Rushabh's final act on this earth was one of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. He gave his life while saving others.'  Speaking to MK Citizen, his wife Mili said she and her daughter are struggling to cope since his death. 'I just see his head up in the water and I can't explain that feeling. It was the worst feeling that I have ever had,' she said. 'I hoped that he would wake up. But he never woke up.' Mili said that as her husband was an organ donor, he has 'given six more people a chance at life', as well as the two he saved in the river on the day he died. She added: 'It's hard to believe that he's not with me. Because he always said he's never going to leave me.  'He was a very kind person and a lovely father. He loved his daughter a lot. When my daughter was born he was the happiest person that I've ever seen.' Christine Kirwan was pulled from the water at a popular beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales on Sunday, May 25. The 72-year-old was pulled from the water at West Angle Beach and emergency services were not able to save her. Her family created a fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance following her death.  In a tribute, one person wrote: 'My deepest condolences on the very sad passing of my long time friend.' On Monday, May 25, as temperatures hit a scorching 34.8C, another six people lost their lives. Reco Puttock was swimming in Leadbeater Dam, near Halifax in West Yorkshire when he got into difficulty. He was pulled from the water and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  In a tribute on social media, his father Alan Damon Robinson wrote: 'I was hoping I'd wake up this morning and it [would have] been a nightmare but it's not, it's reality.  'Rest in eternal peace my boy. Heartbroken isn't the word.'  He praised the efforts of two boys who jumped in the water in an attempt to save his son's life. The teen drowned in front of a crowd of onlookers at the busy swimming spot. His mother told the Telegraph and Argus: 'He loved being out with his friends. That's what he enjoyed most. 'I don't know what to feel, I think I've just cried and cried since about 7am this morning… I don't think I can bring myself to any more at the minute.' Lillianna Tomlinson went missing after getting into difficulty at Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire on Monday, May 25. After around an hour of searches, her body was recovered from the water. A family member told the BBC that Lillianna could not swim and said a teenage boy had tried to rescue her.  Her 'devastated' family said in a tribute: 'We're deeply saddened to be writing that Lillianna's life has been taken in the most tragic way. 'Our family is completely devastated and will be forever heartbroken. 'We would like to take a moment to sincerely thank our community for the love, compassion and support that has been shown to us, and for sharing in our grief - it means more than words can express.' An online fundraiser which was set up by the mother of Lillianna's best friend described the teenager as 'a bright, kind, and caring young girl who touched the lives of everyone who knew her.' On the GoFundMe page to raise funds to help with funeral expenses and memorial costs, Jayne Roberts said Lillianna, who was a Year 11 pupil at Kingsbury School, 'had a beautiful smile, a loving heart, and a way of making people feel seen and valued.' She added: '(Lillianna) brought laughter, friendship, and joy to so many, and her loss has left an unimaginable void in the lives of her family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. 'For my daughter, Lil was more than a best friend—she was a sister in spirit, a confidante, and a constant source of support and happiness. The memories they shared will be treasured forever.' Grandfather Phil Crow died after bravely entering the water to save his nine-year-old granddaughter, who was swept out to sea at Tregirls Beach in Cornwall on Monday, May 25. His wife of 50 years Tina, 68, was also pulled out to sea and had to be rescued by a passing boat before being checked by a paramedic. Mr Crow suffered a 'cardiac arrest in the sea' while trying to save them, and was later pronounced dead at the scene. Tina and his granddaughter were brought to safety by members of the public.  Tina told the Daily Mail: 'We were jumping up with the waves then all of a sudden we couldn't hit the floor when we landed, it was deeper and was pulling us out. 'He was shouting at her to lay on her back but she couldn't stand, he pushed her to safety, but doing so meant he couldn't get back himself. He was pushing her feet and just shouting swim, swim, swim.' His daughter Mel Thomas, 49, added: 'He died a hero and wouldn't have had it any other way. 'He saved his granddaughter's life, she's safe but her and her brother Nate have been offered counselling. 'He has five grandchildren and adores every one of them, absolutely adored them. He always told them he loved them so much, he would die to protect them and he is a man of his word.' Chiedza Nyanjowa was staying with her aunt and two cousins in Bolton, Greater Manchester when they decided to take a trip to the beach during hot weather on Bank Holiday Monday (May 25). The 15-year-old had been playing volleyball on the water's edge with her 11-year-old cousin.    At one point, Chiedza, who could not swim, entered the sea to try and fetch a volleyball. An inquest into her death heard that the children went into the water chasing after the ball. The depth increased quickly and Chiedza tried to hold on to the ball as a floatation aid and swim to shore, BBC News reported.  It took 15 minutes to raise help and Chiedza was unconscious by the time members of the public pulled her from the water.  She was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital by air ambulance. After four days fighting for her life, she died on Friday, May 29. In a tribute the girl's family said they were grateful to 'everyone that helped Chiedza'. 'Her family are glad that there were people around her to support her, their support shows that she was loved. 'This is a difficult time for the family, who would appreciate any form of prayer. 'Her family describe her as a bubbly person, she loved Christ and going to church. She loved cooking, she was a giver and wanted to be nurse when she grew up so she could give back. 'She will be greatly missed and remembered for her kind spirit.' Muhammed Secka visited a local park on May 25, 2026, with his friends as temperatures soared. They went to Rother Valley Country Park, South Yorkshire, to cool off from the sun. Despite not being able to swim, Muhammed went in the water with his friends. He then disappeared from view at around 7pm. The 16-year-old was reported missing before his body was found in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26. Muhammed's friends and family paid tribute to the 'much-loved' teenager on an online fundraising campaign. An organiser said: 'Muhammed was a much-loved son, friend, student and member of the community who brought light, laughter and kindness to those around him. 'His loss has deeply affected everyone who knew him, and the pain felt by his family and loved ones is unimaginable.' Muhammed was described by those who knew him as a 'lovely, kind boy' who cooked meals for his mother and sister and dreamt of becoming a doctor when he grew up.  Muhammed's friend, Kelly Osayi, said the boy was 'loved by many people', adding: 'It is tragic that he died at just the age of 16, which still doesn't feel real for most of us. 'Muhammed always used to smile, everyone liked him. When I heard what had happened, I just broke down.' Neighbour, Sharon Wells, said: 'He was a lovely kind boy who bought sweets for his younger brother and sister out of his pocket money. 'Cooked meals for the family. Bought his mother jewellery.  'And so clever, he was top of his class, looking forward to going to college and wanted to become a doctor.' After a tragic Bank Holiday Weekend, the heatwave continued, as did the stories of youngsters dying in the water. Junior Slater, from Clayton-le-Woods, had been swimming with friends at the river in Ribchester on Tuesday, May 26.  He got into difficulty and his friends desperately tried to save him. Police were called and a large search party raced to try and rescue the youngster.   His body was recovered from underneath water at around 7.50pm  Junior's family said he was their 'little blue-eyed boy' and the 'life and soul of our lives'. They are being supported by specially trained officers and have asked for privacy.  His sister Shannonleigh shared a tribute in a fundraiser. She said: 'He was the happiest, cheekiest soul, always making everyone laugh and lighting up every room he walked into. He was a loving son, amazing little brother, and the best uncle. He was loved by so many people, and we were all so proud of him. 'We are raising money to help give him the beautiful send-off he deserves and support our mum and family through this heartbreaking time. Any donation or share would mean the world to us.  David-Junior Tita, 17, from Crewe, died at Pickmere Lake near Knutsford after entering the water with friends during record-breaking temperatures at the end of last month. He was reported missing before his body was found at around 5pm on Tuesday, May 26.  David Jnr had reportedly been at the lake with his coursemates and had initially stayed in the shallow section of the lake, as he could not swim. His father said he then met some more friends who he knew from college, who were jumping into a deeper part of the lake. The teenager followed their lead and jumped in - his first encounter with open water. Unable to swim, David Jnr could not pull himself back up to the surface, his father said. The news came as a huge shock to his father, who had been watching the news on television and listening to a report about a teenager dying in water when police arrived at his door to deliver the devastating news. David Tita Snr was shocked as his son could not swim and told him he was going to the gym for the day. He urged for young people to take care around water as the hot weather returned to the UK. 'My advice to youngsters,' he said, 'is please don't get into dangerous open water.' 'Risk assess every activity and think of what happens if it goes catastrophically wrong. 'Think of the impact that could have on you or on your family. 'Go to the gym, go to local swimming pools, go somewhere that has a lifeguard, that is safe. 'David walked out of his house one day and never came back. There is no duplicates, no second opportunity.' Samuel Murphy went swimming at Hawley Lake, near Blackwater in Hampshire on Monday, May 26. The 14-year-old was reported missing after getting into difficulty at the swimming spot. A 'multi-agency operation' was launched by Hampshire Constabulary to locate the teen, which involved marine and drone units working alongside the National Police Air Service, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and divers from the Metropolitan Police, supported by the Army. Samuel's body was recovered the following afternoon. Baltazar L'Qui became the 11th tragedy of the week after he died in the River Thames in Oxford on Wednesday, May 27. Baltazar was a member of the Oxford Timorese community, which expressed its deepest condolences to his family. In a tribute, the Oxford Timorese Community Association said: 'Thank you for the love you shared, the lessons you taught, and the beautiful moments you gave us.' A member of the community said: 'This has been a very painful moment, not only for the family, but also for the Timorese community, in Oxford and across the United Kingdom.' They said his mother would like to remind other parents to make sure their children stay safe in the water and are accompanied by an adult. Police, fire and ambulance services were called to the River Thames near Donnington Bridge in Oxford at around 5.30pm on Wednesday to try and rescue Baltazar. George Cuckoo went swimming with friends at Northfleet Lake, known locally as The Dipping Lake, in Northfleet on Wednesday, May 27. While in the water, he was seen to go under the surface but did not come back up again, Kent Online reported.  His friends called 999 and a search was launched by police and fire and rescue teams. He was found that evening and declared dead at the scene. A post-mortem determined that he drowned.  In a tribute on a fundraising page, his sister Chloe said:  George was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend whose life was tragically cut short far too soon. 'Anyone who knew George knew his smile, his sense of humour, and the way he could light up a room without even trying. He was loved by so many people and touched the lives of everyone around him. 'Any contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated and will help ease some of the financial burden as we navigate this unimaginable loss.' The teenager was also a keen young boxer, with his local club also sharing a tribute. They wrote: 'George was a talented young boxer, a valued teammate, and a friend to so many within our club. 'His smile, determination, and presence in the gym touched the lives of coaches, boxers, parents, and friends alike. 'The loss of someone so young is impossible to comprehend, and our thoughts are with George's family as they face every parent's worst nightmare.' The body of Stephen Faulkner was found five days after he went missing in the Tonypandy area. The father had last been seen at Glyncornel Lake on Saturday, May 23. His family joined emergency services and a crowd of locals who searched around the clock for Stephen. Police confirmed on Thursday, May 28, that his body had been found. His heartbroken family paid tribute to volunteers who helped with the search, saying they were overwhelmed by the 'unbelievable' support. His son Dai shared an emotional tribute to his father on social media. He said: 'On behalf of myself and my family I want to thank from the bottom of my heart each and every single person that took time to help search for my dad. Even if you just shared a post, I thank you greatly. 'Especially my best friends who went above and beyond - I can't thank you enough. One of my best mates who actually found my dad, I'm eternally in your debt.' He also thanked police for their 'great care and respect' during the search and after Stephen's body was found. Dai said his father was 'as tough as they come', having recovered from cancer three times. He added: 'He was someone who loved life and lived it the way he wanted. He loved animals and wildlife especially horses and dogs. 'He loved live music, especially his favourite band AC/DC, and those that knew him well knew he loved a party. Love you dad and will miss you forever. Shine on you crazy diamond.' Charlie Noble died after getting into difficulty in Bracklinn Falls, near the Scottish town of Callander, in Stirling. The body of the 16-year-old was recovered from the water at around 6.45pm. He had reportedly been celebrating the end of exams with a group of friends when he entered the water. Hundreds of locals took part in a balloon release to remember the teenager. Many people had also left floral tributes and other mementoes of Charlie, known as Meatball to his many friends, in the grounds of Denny High School in Stirling. Paul Dunn, Denny High head teacher, said: 'We are heartbroken at the loss of one of our much-loved pupils following a tragic accident at Bracklinn Falls. 'Charlie was a highly valued member of our school community and was held in great affection by so many pupils, staff and in the wider community. 'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this distressing time. This is an incredibly challenging time for our whole school community, and the impact of this loss is deeply felt, and he will be sorely missed by staff and pupils. 'We have put in appropriate support for our pupils and staff as we come to terms with this tragic loss. We respectfully ask that the family's privacy is respected at this time.' Panashe Muchenje was with his friends at Balderton Lake in Nottinghamshire when he got into difficulty on May 28. He was reported to have been in the lake for 22 minutes before he was taken to hospital. He died two days later on May 30. His nephew, Maxwell Muchenje, told Metro that Panashe was a 'loving' and 'energetic' person. He said that Panashe was 'not a good swimmer' but had 'basic skills'.  He added: 'His church community loved him so much, he did a lot within the church and he was friendly. For us it was a tragic event.' A video which circulated online and on Zimbabwean media, appeared to show the youngster drowning.  Nottinghamshire County Councillor for Balderton, Johno Lee, said: 'I am both shocked and deeply concerned to learn that video footage relating to the tragic death of a young boy at Balderton Lake is reportedly being circulated across social media platforms, including Facebook, X and others.  'A family has suffered the unimaginable loss of a child. The thought that grieving relatives and loved ones could be confronted with footage of those final moments appearing online is utterly unacceptable.' Greg Howes died after entering the water in the Norfolk Broads on Friday, May 29. Dive teams worked through the night and found his body in the River Yare at Surlingham on Saturday, May 30.  In a tribute, his family wrote: 'Greg was dearly loved by his family and loved spending time on the Norfolk Broads.  'At this sad time, his family would like to urge the public to take care and consider their safety when taking part in activities on the water on the Broads.'  On social media, others shared messages to Greg. One wrote: 'I'm thankful I got to see you recently, I'm grateful of our little chat we had. Little did I know it would be the last. Rest in paradise our friend. So many people love you, you'll be so missed.' Another added: 'Grega, I am still in shock. I can't believe you're gone. You lived life to the max and always bought a smile to my face. You loved the summer and all it bought. Going to miss you darling.'  Mackenzie Swift was the youngest of the 20 people to die during the last week of May. The 11-year-old had cycled with a friend to the River Don in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, where they had gone swimming at an area known locally as pebble beach. His body was found two days after he had last been seen on Saturday, May 30. His grieving parents are also now calling for greater awareness about water safety. Speaking to ITV News, his father Michael Swift said: 'It might look safe, but it's really not. Go to your local leisure centre, not down the river. Nobody knows what is in there.' His mother Suzie Gogh added: 'It was so not like him to just go down to the river and then to not come back - I wouldn't wish it on anybody.' Theresa Wheelhouse died while trying to save her pet dog who had become stuck out at sea. She and her partner had been at Thornton Clevelys in Lancashire on Saturday, May 30, during the hot weather. Their dog got into difficulty and the couple both rushed out to sea to try and save it. They were pulled from the sea near Fleetwood Beach Café by the coastguard before being handed to paramedics.  Both were taken to hospital, where Theresa died and the man was left in a critical condition. The dog was 'recovered safe and well'. The man is now 'making a recovery', police confirmed. Thirteen-year-old Palwasha Akbar drowned on a day out to celebrate her birthday.  The 'bright' and 'caring' teenager was due to celebrate her 14th birthday the day after her death. Her family took her and her sister to  River Wharfe in Burnsall, North Yorkshire, on the hottest day of the year. They went to the swimming spot on Palwasha's request to allow the youngsters to cool off in a shallow part of the river.  Her father Irshad said that as they were about to leave, his daughters and their neice went for a walk. Within minutes they had lost sight of them in the crowd and the children ended up in an area of deeper water. Both Palwasha and her 11-year-old sister got into difficulty in the water, BBC News reported, but her sister was rescued by a member of the public. Palwasha was rescued from the water and taken to hospital by air ambulance, however, sadly died a short time later.  Irshad said he wanted to see safety measures implemented at more swimming spots like the River Wharfe. 'I want to shield children basically from what happened with us; I don't want anyone to be affected like us.' He said children could be unpredictable and parents should 'always stay close' to them and 'expect anything'. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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