Dozens of people have been pictured today (Tuesday) swimming at Salford Quays despite the tragic drowning of a teenage boy and repeated warnings from police. As Greater Manchester roasted in record-breaking temperatures bathers were seen jumping from bridges and cooling off in the water.
There have been several drowning tragedies at the former docks in recent years. Unauthorised swimming there is illegal and adults caught doing so face a £100 fine.
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Just three days ago 16-year-old Kalen Waugh drowned while swimming with friends there. Today police divers and firefighters were at the quays urging people not to swim and handing out safety advice.
And following Kalen's death police and council bosses repeated an urgent warning for the public not to swim or jump off bridges there. Det Insp Joanne Johnston, of Swinton CID, said: "We remind the public to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds. We all want to enjoy the warm weather; please make sure you do so in a safe way. Think of your family - look out for your friends."
Police and council officers patrols in the area have been stepped up during the heatwave and the the quays are also monitored by CCTV. Speaking on Sunday Coun Barbara Bentham said: "With very hot weather predicted, there will be even more contrast between the temperature of the air and the temperature of open water in the quays, lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Please stay out of the water."
Today Kalen's school, New Park Academy in Eccles, paid tribute to him. In a statement the school said: "Kalen was a cheeky chappy who certainly kept staff on their toes, but not for very long, you just couldn't stay angry with him for too long. Mum had been so proud that he had sat his GCSE exams and had been offered a place at Salford College from September.
"He was a clever lad who would have done fantastically well. We will miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with mum and uncle."
At least 13 people have died in open water in the UK over the heatwave and water safety organisations are concerned that the toll may climb as schools break up for the summer holidays. At least four people under the age of 17 have died in open water since Saturday, with the youngest confirmed as 13-year-old Robert Hattersley, who got into difficulties in the River Tyne near Ovingham, Northumberland on Sunday.
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