A 15-year-old girl has died after getting into difficulties while swimming in the sea off the coast of Merseyside during the bank holiday heatwave.
Chiedza Nyanjowa, from Cheshire, was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after the incident at Formby beach on Monday. She later died, Merseyside Police said.
“Chiedza Nyanjowa, 15, died after swimming at Formby beach on bank holiday Monday. Her family paid tribute, saying she wanted to be a nurse. She is at least the 13th person to die in a heatwave water incident.”
Her family paid tribute to her, describing her as a “bubbly person” with a “kind spirit”. They said she wanted to become a nurse so she could “give back” to others.
The tragedy brings the number of heatwave-related open water deaths this month to at least 13, with some reports putting the total at 14. The figure continues to rise as the UK experiences a prolonged period of hot weather.
Formby beach, on the Sefton coast, is a popular spot for swimmers and day-trippers. The incident is the latest in a series of drowning tragedies across the country during the current heatwave.
Merseyside Police said they were called to the beach at around 4pm on Monday after reports of a girl in difficulty. Emergency services, including the coastguard and ambulance, attended. The family have asked for prayers and privacy.
The incident is under investigation. No arrests have been made, and police have not released further details.
During the heatwave, open water deaths have become more frequent as people seek to cool off in rivers, lakes, and the sea. Safety officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised areas.
The family of Chiedza Nyanjowa said in a statement: “She was a bubbly person with a kind spirit. She had a bright future ahead of her and wanted to be a nurse to give back. We ask for your prayers during this difficult time.”
Chiedza was a schoolgirl from Cheshire. Friends and classmates have paid tribute on social media, describing her as “lovely” and “full of life”.
The tragedy comes as the UK continues to bake in a heatwave that has seen temperatures exceed 30°C in many areas. Forecasters expect the hot weather to persist for several more days.
What This Means For You
The recent deaths highlight the dangers of swimming in open water, especially during hot weather. Cold water shock, strong currents, and hidden obstacles can pose serious risks even for strong swimmers. If you visit the coast or inland waters, swim only at lifeguarded beaches, never swim alone, and check local safety advice. The rising death toll during this heatwave serves as a stark reminder to take care near water.