Boy, 14, dies after entering water at ‘no swimming zone’ of River Thames 'to cool off' during heatwave

The boy entered Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road in east London at around 6:50pm on Monday, before getting into difficulty in the water. A search and rescue boat was launched shortly after the alarm was raised, with helicopter police, fire and ambulance officers also dispatched at the scene. Sadly, despite best efforts from emergency services, the boy was retrieved from the river more than three hours later at 10:30pm and pronounced dead at the scene. The boy’s family are being supported by specialist officers. The death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious and enquiries continue to prepare a report for the coroner. Despite being a “no swimming zone”, with signs warning against swimming, the dock has a deck into the water, which is used as a platform for water sports. Wikimedia Commons/Steve DanielsThere are designated areas near the dock on the Isle of Dogs for qualified swimmers. The boy is understood to be one of a larger group who had been cooling off in the area amid London’s latest heatwave, the Metro has reported. One local told the paper: “It’s so easy to get in the water, and young boys primarily jump and dive in. They want to cool off and you can understand it. It doesn’t look dangerous, but it can be.”Locals told the same publication that the area has previously been patrolled by wardens paid for by Tower Hamlets Council, but such measures have since been scrapped. A local dogwalker Ivan Alexander, who was at the scene at the time, told the Metro: “We were walking our dog and we saw some kids pressuring another kid to go in the water.Read More“These kids are dangerous. For weeks, we have been menaced by them.“Their anti-social behaviour is getting on our nerves, but this is a truly sad story for their family and friends.” A police statement said: “Police were called at around 6.48pm on Monday, August 3 to reports that a 14-year-old boy had entered the Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road, E14.“Officers worked with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade to carry out an extensive search in efforts to locate him.“Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy was retrieved from the river at 10.30pm and pronounced dead.”A London Ambulance Service Spokesperson said: “We were called at 6.52pm yesterday (August 3) to reports of a drowning incident by East Ferry Road, E14.“We sent ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars, an incident response officer and an advanced paramedic.“Our crews assisted our emergency services partners at the scene but were later stood down.” Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter 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. Please only swim in designated areas and take the time to speak with children and young people about staying safe around water.” Tower Hamlets has been contacted for comment.