The family of a man who tragically passed away following an incident in a river is urging the public to prioritize safety. Greg Howes, aged 44, was discovered by dive teams searching the River Yare in Surlingham on the Norfolk Broads on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services responded to the scene at 2:33pm on Friday, initiating searches that lasted through the night. Described as “dearly loved by his family” who enjoyed spending time on the Norfolk Broads, his family issued a statement emphasizing the importance of water safety.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Neil Mason expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Greg Howes, highlighting their longstanding friendship and shared memories. Meanwhile, friends and family mourned the tragic death of 16-year-old Charlie Noble, whose body was recovered from Bracklinn Falls near Callander in Perthshire. Authorities were alerted around 6.45pm after concerns were raised for an individual.
Adding to the recent water-related incidents, a 13-year-old girl became the 17th fatality during the current heatwave. The incident occurred in the River Wharfe near the Skipton area, with the girl being located and airlifted to a hospital but unfortunately succumbed to the circumstances. Additionally, a woman in her 60s became the 16th casualty in a water-related incident while attempting to rescue her dog from the sea in Thornton-Cleveleys. Despite receiving treatment at the scene, she was pronounced dead in the hospital.
These unfortunate events serve as stark reminders of the dangers associated with water activities, prompting renewed warnings about open water swimming during the ongoing heatwave.