Coroner in lake swimming warning after boy drowns

A coroner has warned about the "inherent dangers of swimming in open water" following the death of a 15-year-old boy who drowned in a lake in Lincoln.

Emergency crews were called to reports of a boy getting into difficulty at Swanholme Lakes nature reserve, which is part of Hartsholme Park, at about 14:30 BST on 24 May.

Lincolnshire Police said a body found later that day after a search was identified as Declan Sawyer, who lived in the city.

Concluding his death was a result of misadventure, coroner Marianne Johnson urged people to follow open water swimming advice.

The coroner, sitting at Grimsby Town Hall, heard Declan, who had been with a group of friends, was not a strong swimmer and had got into difficulty while swimming to an island.

His friends initially thought he was messing around but once they realised he was in serious trouble they tried to help him, including attempts to get him to float on his back, the court was told.

One said in a statement: "I thought he was faking it but he didn't come up."

Declan's body was recovered from the lake at about 19:00 BST following an extensive search.

The coroner, who gave the cause of death as drowning, said: "This tragic incident highlights the inherent dangers of swimming in open water.

"Unlike controlled environments such as swimming pools, open water can present a range of hidden hazards, including cold water shock, strong currents, sudden changes in depth, poor visibility, and underwater obstacles.

"Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures can be deceptively low and can quickly lead to disorientation, breathing difficulties, and exhaustion.

"These risks can affect swimmers of all ages and abilities, often with little warning."

She urged anyone entering open water to carefully assess the conditions, swim only where it is safe to do so, avoid swimming alone and be aware of "the potentially life-threatening consequences" of unexpected difficulties in the water.

The RNLI and the Royal Life Saving Society offer comprehensive advice on what to do if you find yourself struggling in cold water.

In a tribute to Declan read to the court, his father Carl described him as a popular boy, who loved football and fishing.

"I can't put into words the effect this has had," he said.

"Declan was my boy.

He said the support they had received had been overwhelming and showed what a popular young man Declan was.

"Our lives will never be the same again," he added.

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