It comes as four more people have died while swimming in open water during the current heatwave as Britain is sweltering, with temperatures reaching 38.1C today, the third hottest day on record, and could reach 41 degrees Celsius tomorrow. The UK’s Health Safety Authority has issued a level 4 heat warning – described as a ‘national emergency’ – and the UK is under the first red extreme heat warning for much of England, issued by the Met Office. The Metropolitan Police said officers were alerted just before 5pm by the London Ambulance Service to reports of a child entering the water at Tagg Island in Hampton. An extensive search involving police, paramedic and fire crews as well as members of the public was carried out but their efforts were unsuccessful and at 6.40pm the rescue operation was completed. “Efforts to recover his body will continue into this afternoon,” the Met said. The UK records one of its hottest days – on record for the weather Superintendent Richard Smith, from the South West Command Unit, said: “Despite the best efforts of all involved, we now sadly have to conclude that this young boy has died. “I know that on days like today when the temperatures are at a high, it can seem appealing to jump in and cool off in rivers, reservoirs, lakes or other open water. “Please don’t. The risks are real and tonight in Richmond we saw the dire consequences of what happens when it goes wrong.” Meanwhile, the family of a “kind and loving” 13-year-old boy who died after getting into trouble while swimming in a Northumberland river say they are “absolutely devastated”. Image: Robert Hattersley died in the River Tyne. Photo: Northumbria Police Robert Hattersley, from Crawcrook, died after an incident on the River Tyne near Ovingham on Sunday. His family said in a statement: “Words are impossible to describe the heartbreak we feel – Robert was so kind and loving. We are absolutely devastated by what has happened. “He brought a smile to many people’s faces and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.” Detective Inspector Phil Hughes, of Leeds CID, said: “This incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers of open water swimming.” Also, a 16-year-old boy died after getting into trouble earlier today in Loch Bray, near Maidenhead, Berkshire. Image: A 16-year-old boy has died after getting into trouble at Loch Bray, Berkshire. Photo file Superintendent Michael Greenwood, the local policing commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, said it was an “absolute tragedy”. Emergency services have issued urgent appeals to people to stay away from dangerous waterways and reservoirs. A 50-year-old man has died after getting into trouble at Ardsley Reservoir, between Leeds and Wakefield. A body, believed to be his, was found on Sunday. A 16-year-old boy died after being seen struggling in the water at Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, on Saturday. Temperatures soared to 38.1C in Sandon Downham, Suffolk today, and the mercury topped 37C in many other places. Rail services were reduced and trains were forced to travel more slowly amid the risk of buckling rails, and people appeared to heed warnings to work from home as traffic, trains and subway passengers were out of action earlier Monday . There are also warnings of pressure on hospitals from the extreme temperatures and concerns that ambulance services will face increasing numbers of calls as the heat peaks on Tuesday afternoon. The existing UK temperature record of 38.7C (101.66F), set in Cambridge in 2019, looks almost certain to fall on Tuesday. Read more: Top tips for staying cool in hot weather What heat wave level 4 means for the UK Why Britain’s cities need a major overhaul Why climate change will make this heat wave more dangerous
How to stay safe in the heat – official advice
Stay out of the sun between 11 A.M. and 3 p.m. and avoid physical exercise Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excessive alcohol Close the curtains in rooms facing the sun Never leave anyone in a parked car – and check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat Check that medicines can be stored as directed – and check that your fridges, freezers and fans are working properly Wales temporarily recorded its hottest day on record, with the temperature reaching 37.1C in Hawarden, Flintshire, beating the previous record for the nation – 35.2C – also set in Hawarden, in 1990. Tuesday is forecast to be even hotter in the UK, with temperatures likely to reach a “crazy” 41C in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
