Londoners enjoying the spring sunshine have been warned by the Metropolitan Police of the dangers of swimming in unsupervised waters as temperatures continue to soar.
Scotland Yard made the “direct appeal” on Monday after the body of a teenage boy was recovered in a South London lake.
Academy football prospect Izaiah Smith, 15, died after getting into difficulties at Beckenham Place Park, Lewisham, on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, officers are continuing to its “recovery mission” for Kaliyah Coa, 11, who disappeared last Monday after falling into the River Thames near the Barge House Causeway, Woolwich.
These incidents have heightened public concern about open water safety, particularly as warm weather draws more people to outdoor dipping spots.
A report last year by the Royal Lifesaving Society revealed there were at least 125 child drowning deaths in England between 2019 and 2023.
And the Met’s Marine Policing Unit (MPU) says it is called to more than 140 incidents each month on the Thames alone.
Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead, who leads the MPU, said people in the city do not always see the dangers that can lurk when diving in.
He said: “We absolutely understand the natural draw of rivers, lakes and open water across the city. However, we have sadly seen a recent rise in incidents where people have got into difficulty — and very tragically, some have lost their lives.
“Open water may appear calm and inviting, but it can be dangerously deceptive. Strong currents, sudden drops, hidden hazards and cold-water shock can affect even the strongest swimmers. “
Ch Insp Ranstead added: “The river holds currents stronger than any person and moves at extreme speeds.
“The water may look calm but the tides are extremely strong and fast, able to easily drag someone a mile in just ten minutes.”
Key safety advice...
• Do not swim in open water unless it is part of a supervised and safe environment
• Never enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Talk to your children and young people about the risks — many incidents involve teenagers during school breaks or weekends
The force has warned anyone in the capital thinking of going into a waterway to “think twice before taking unnecessary risks”.
“We see the heartbreak and devastation these preventable tragedies cause – with families changed forever in a matter of seconds,” he said.
“Working with partners we are increasing our visibility and delivering water safety education, but we need the help of the public.”
Lewisham Council reopened Beckenham Place Park on Saturday, but the lake remains closed with security in place until further notice.
