The body of a 14-year-old boy was recovered from the River Thames near Donnington Bridge in Oxford at about 5.30pm on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said. His death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. Earlier, the body of another teenage boy was found in a pond in Kent, bringing the total number of water-related deaths during the current heatwave to 11.
The latest fatalities come as a fresh heat health alert has been issued for parts of England. Emergency services have warned repeatedly about the dangers of swimming in open water during hot weather. The two incidents on Wednesday follow a series of deaths across the UK since the start of the heatwave, with rivers, lakes and reservoirs proving particularly hazardous.
“Two teenage boys have died in separate open water incidents in Kent and Oxford, bringing the UK heatwave death toll to 11. A fresh heat health alert has been issued for parts of England.”
In Oxford, police recovered the boy's body from the Thames late on Wednesday afternoon. His family has been informed. In Kent, the body of a teenage boy was discovered in a pond off Galley Hill Road. The circumstances of both deaths are not being treated as suspicious.
The recent spate of open water deaths has prompted renewed calls for public vigilance. The Royal Life Saving Society UK and other organisations have stressed that inland waters can be dangerously cold even in summer, with hidden currents and underwater obstacles. The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts for several regions, advising people to stay cool and hydrated.
What happens next: The heatwave is expected to continue in parts of England, with the Met Office keeping a close watch on temperatures. Police and local councils are likely to step up patrols at popular swimming spots. Inquests into the deaths will be opened in due course.
What This Means For You: If you or your family plan to cool off in rivers, lakes or reservoirs, remember that open water can be deadly. Even strong swimmers can be caught out by cold water shock, strong currents or submerged objects. Check local safety advice, never swim alone, and supervise children closely. For those staying at home, the heat health alert means you should keep windows shaded, drink plenty of water, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.