THERE HAVE been warnings all summer: the rivers, the canals and the docks are dangerous – don’t go into the water. And now a 14 year old boy has drowned in Millwall Outer Dock on the Isle of Dogs.
The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, 3rd August. Few details have been made public, but it seems that he did indeed go into the docks to cool off. The emergency services were notified of this just before 7pm. The police and fire brigade worked hard to find his body, which was recovered at around 10.30pm.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter from the Metropolitan Police said, “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this young boy at this incredibly difficult time. As the warm weather continues, I would urge everyone to remember that open water can present serious dangers.”
Local MP Apsana Begum expressed her sadness at the news and said that her thoughts and prayers are with the teenager and his loved ones. She repeated the warning that people should not swim in local waters except in designated areas where lifeguards are on duty.
The news of the drowning in Millwall comes just weeks after a 13 year old boy died after going into the Royal Victoria Dock in Newham – after entering the water to retrieve a football he and his friends had been playing with at the water’s edge.
Summer clubs and youth clubs should be repeating the water safety messages across East London, and schools should pick the issue up in September so that all East London children and teenagers are aware of water safety.
●Read more about it: Let’s avoid more fire tragedies this summer Water kills: be aware to be safe