The dangers of swimming unattended in lakes and pools during hot weather have tragically come to the fore following the death of a teenager in Sutton Coldfield.
The body of a teenage boy, named by police as Daniel Drewitt, from Rednal, was recovered from Powell’s Pool in Sutton Park on Thursday, July 10 shortly after 10pm.
A report by the BBC said staff at Colmers School and Sixth Form College in Rednal paid tribute to the 16-year-old and said he was confident, full of life and a talented sportsman.
It is believed he got into difficulty in the lake at around 6pm.
Safety experts say swimming in lakes during hot weather can be extremely dangerous.
High temperatures may cause heat exhaustion or dehydration, weakening swimmers and increasing the risk of drowning.
Underwater hazards like sudden drop-offs, strong currents, or submerged debris are harder to spot in murky lake water, leading to accidents.
Cold spots from springs can trigger muscle cramps, making it difficult to swim. Furthermore, hot weather attracts more people, increasing the chance of overcrowding and unsupervised swimming, which raises drowning risks.
Unlike pools, lakes lack lifeguards, and emergency help may be far away. Always wear a life jacket, avoid alcohol, and never swim alone. Caution can prevent tragedies while enjoying the water safely
In May, Midlands Air Ambulance revealed there have been 18 accidental drowning deaths in the West Midlands region in 2024.
Sutton Coldfield Life 