A body has been recovered in the search for 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift, who was last seen entering the River Don in South Yorkshire on Saturday evening.
The boy, from the Mexborough area, was reported missing after he entered the river near the town at around 6pm on Saturday. Emergency services, including police divers and a helicopter, launched an extensive search operation along the river.
“A body has been recovered in the search for 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift, who was last seen entering the River Don in South Yorkshire on Saturday evening.”
South Yorkshire Police confirmed on Monday that a body had been found. In a statement, the force said formal identification was yet to take place, but they were supporting the boy's family. “Our thoughts remain with Mackenzie’s family and friends at this devastating time,” a spokesperson said.
Mackenzie was last seen alive in the water near a popular swimming spot. Friends and family had appealed for information on social media, describing him as a “lovely, fun-loving boy”. The river, which runs through Doncaster and Rotherham, has been the scene of several drowning tragedies in recent years.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of open-water swimming, particularly among young people. The River Don is deep and fast-flowing in places, with hidden currents and cold water even in summer. Local community leaders urged parents to warn children about the dangers of swimming in rivers, reservoirs and other unsupervised water bodies.
South Yorkshire Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading to Mackenzie entering the water. Investigations are ongoing, and the coroner has been notified. The body was found a short distance downstream from where the boy was last seen.
The search involved officers from the force's specialist marine unit, firefighters and volunteers. The community of Mexborough rallied together, with many posting messages of support and sharing the appeal.
In a statement, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) said: “This is a heartbreaking tragedy. We urge everyone to be aware of the risks of open water – even on a warm day, the water can be dangerously cold and unpredictable.”
A fundraiser set up by a family friend has raised thousands of pounds to support the family. Donors expressed their condolences and called for more education on water safety.
The local council said it would review signage and safety measures along the riverbank. A councillor for Mexborough said: “We will do everything we can to prevent another such tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family.”
Formal identification is expected to take place in the coming days. A post-mortem examination will be carried out to determine the cause of death.
## What This Means For You
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of open-water swimming, especially for children. Rivers can have hidden currents, sudden drop-offs, and cold water that can cause shock or hypothermia even in warm weather. Parents are urged to talk to their children about staying safe near water and to discourage swimming in unsupervised areas. The RLSS recommends swimming only at lifeguarded beaches and pools, and using the Float to Live technique if caught in difficulty. Local authorities may increase safety patrols or install throw lines and safety signs at known danger spots.