Even though the sun is shining it has been a tragic week already for many families in Yorkshire.
Since Sunday three people have tragically lost their lives after getting into difficulty in lakes and rivers in the county – devastating families.
Those who have died include a 15-year-old boy who got into trouble in a Knottingley canal and a man in his 20s who emergency services desperately tried to help at Crookes Valley Park in Sheffield.
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It comes as Yorkshire has experienced scorching temperatures since the weekend with some areas seeing highs of 29C throughout the week.
However, police, fire crews and councils are all pleading with members of the public not to swim in open water, despite the temperatures, because of the dangers that it poses.
The tragic week began on Sunday when a man’s body was found in the lake at Crookes Valley Park.
Emergency services were called to the park in Sheffield – which has a large lake in its centre – at 7.31pm on Sunday night, July 18, following reports a man had got into difficulty in the water.
A huge response ensued as police vehicles and four fire engines immediately responded to the call.
Underwater teams were later deployed and divers began to search the lake.
Police cordoned off the park after the discovery of a man’s body
Tragically, South Yorkshire Police confirmed on Monday morning, July 19, a body had been found just before midnight.
The man was in his 20s.
But the tragedy wasn’t to end there – as emergency services gave a devastating update after a 24-hour search for someone in trouble at Pugneys Country Park.
Emergency services were first called at 1.15pm on Sunday July 18 after reports of someone struggling in the water at the park in Wakefield.
The park remained closed throughout Sunday and Monday.
Tragically West Yorkshire Police reported that they found a body in the water on Monday afternoon.
The huge operation at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield on Sunday
(Image: YappApp)
In a statement, they said: “At approximately 1.25pm today (Monday), the body of a male was found in the lake at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield.
“Enquiries are now ongoing to identify the deceased, but it is believed that this is the same male who was reported to be in difficulty in the water at about 1.15pm yesterday.”
And then the tragic week continued on Tuesday night, July 20, after reports of a 15-year-old boy in trouble at Knottingley canal.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police were called to Stocking Lane, Knottingley, at 5.28pm to reports of a concern for the safety of a male seen in the water.
A huge emergency response ensued, with Yorkshire Air Ambulance and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in attendance but, sadly, the body of the 15-year-old was later recovered from the canal.
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Emergency services and councils are warning people against the dangers of swimming in open water as the hot temperatures are set to continue.
Police in West Yorkshire have now issued a warning to people about the dangers posed by open water after the death of the 15-year-old boy.
With the hot weather, there have been more reports of people entering canals and other open water spaces, but Detective Chief Inspector Tony Nicholson said that there can be many hidden dangers.
A number of police officers and ground ambulances responded
(Image: YappApp)
He said: “This has been a tragic incident in which a boy has sadly lost his life and I would like to advise people of the dangers posed by open water.
“Even on days as hot as we have had recently, canals can still be very cold and cold water can cause cramps in even the strongest swimmers.
“Currents created by boats and water movements around locks and weirs can also be dangerous. There may also be items lurking beneath the surface that could cause injury.”
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