EMERGENCY services are reminding people of the dangers of swimming in open water after the death of Robert Hattersley in Ovingham.

Thirteen-year-old Robert, of Crawcrook, died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne on Sunday.

Teams from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Northumbria Police, National Police Air Service, North East Ambulance Service, NHS Foundation Trust, HM Coastguard and mountain rescue all searched for the teenager after a report was made for his welfare.

The body of the former Thorp Academy pupil was later found in the water.

The hot weather has seen many flock to open water, with at least 12 people thought to have lost their lives in the UK.

NFRS chief fire officer Paul Hedley said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Robert at this time. 

“Unfortunately this incident underlines the very real dangers presented by rivers and the sea. 

“The water may look calm on the surface, but there can be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water.  

“And even when the weather feels very hot, the water may feel warm on the surface, but just a few feet below the surface it can be icy cold – affecting the stamina and strength of even strong swimmers."

Chief fire officer Chris Lowther, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, added: "It is difficult in these circumstances to find the right way to offer water safety advice, particularly when enquiries into what has happened are still ongoing, but doing so could prevent another tragedy from taking place. 

“Even in the hot weather, cold water shock is a real risk. If you find yourself in trouble then the advice is to try and lean back and float. Use your arms and legs to help you get into this position, and try and stay calm. 

“If you are with someone who gets into difficulty in the water then give them this advice and call emergency services for help. If you can, use an object to try and reach for them but don’t put yourself in danger by entering the water.” 

Sergeant Simon Falconer for Northumbria Police's marine unit said anybody who sees another person in difficulty should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

He added: "If you see someone in danger, act fast, keep your eyes on the person and wait for emergency services to arrive. That will allow the coastguard, our officers and colleagues at the fire service to get to a casualty as quickly as possible.” 

Councillor Angie Scott, who represents Prudhoe North, has said more needs to be done to educate the public about the dangers of this stretch of river – revealing that she herself had to be pulled from the same part of the Tyne when she was 14.

Advice: 

  • Supervise children
  • Don’t drink alcohol and go in the water
  • Stay away from the edge of banks as they can be slippy
  • Keep dogs on the lead