A 13-year-old girl has died after being pulled from the River Wharfe in North Yorkshire, police said, bringing the number of water-related fatalities in the UK during the ongoing heatwave to at least 17.
The girl went missing in the river near the village of Burnsall, close to Skipton, on Sunday evening. She was rescued and airlifted to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, North Yorkshire Police confirmed.
“A 13-year-old girl has died after being pulled from the River Wharfe in North Yorkshire, as the UK heatwave water-related death toll reaches at least 17 in eight days. An 11-year-old boy remains missing from the River Don.”
Separately, an 11-year-old boy remains missing after entering the River Don in South Yorkshire, as the country experiences a record-breaking May heatwave that has driven large numbers of people to rivers, lakes and coastal areas.
According to figures collated from multiple police forces, at least 17 people have died in open water across the UK in the past eight days. The Guardian reported a death toll of 15 by Sunday, while Sky News said the number had reached 17. The deaths have prompted urgent warnings from emergency services about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised, cold water.
The River Wharfe at Burnsall is a popular spot for walkers and families, but like many rivers in the Yorkshire Dales, it can be deceptively dangerous. The water temperature in spring and early summer remains very cold, even during hot weather, increasing the risk of cold water shock and sudden drowning.
North Yorkshire Police said the girl's family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers. No further details about the girl have been released at this stage.
The 17 fatalities recorded in the past eight days include a range of incidents across England, from the River Wharfe to the River Don, and other open water locations. The true figure may be higher as some incidents are still under investigation.
This heatwave has been the hottest on record for May in the UK, with temperatures exceeding 30°C in many parts of the country. The Met Office has confirmed the record, and the hot spell is now coming to an end, with cooler, unsettled weather expected in the coming days.
Emergency services across the UK have repeatedly urged the public to take care near open water. The Royal Life Saving Society UK and other water safety charities advise swimming only at lifeguarded beaches and designated swimming sites, and never alone.
The girl's death is the second tragic incident in Yorkshire this weekend. The search for the missing 11-year-old boy in the River Don continues. South Yorkshire Police have deployed specialist teams and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Local communities in Burnsall and along the River Wharfe have expressed shock and grief. A spokesperson for the North Yorkshire Police said: "Our thoughts are with the girl's family and friends at this very difficult time."
The government has not issued a specific statement on the series of water deaths, but the Home Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are understood to be monitoring the situation.
As the heatwave subsides, the full scale of the tragedy is becoming clear. The 17 deaths in eight days represent one of the worst spells of water-related fatalities in recent memory, surpassing previous heatwave years.
What This Means For You: For anyone planning to swim or paddle in open water, these deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers. Cold water shock can hit even strong swimmers, and rivers often have hidden currents and sudden depth changes. Parents are urged to keep a close eye on children near rivers, lakes and the sea. Only swim at lifeguarded beaches or known safe swimming spots. If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard or fire service – do not attempt to rescue them yourself unless you are trained.