Overview
- Citing the heatwave that began around May 22, officials say the surge of people visiting open water has coincided with about 15 deaths reported across England, Scotland and Wales.
- Many of the victims have been teenagers, with multiple forces and local media naming young people among those who died and families being supported by police.
- Police Scotland confirmed the 16-year-old found at Bracklinn Falls is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.
- The UK Health Security Agency, the National Fire Chiefs Council and the RNLI have issued urgent warnings about cold-water shock and urged people to use supervised bathing sites and follow 'Float to Live' guidance.
- Police, fire services and councils have increased patrols, signage and outreach at known hotspots and launched multi-agency searches, including an ongoing operation for an 11-year-old who entered the River Don.