Double tragedy as two schoolboys drown in 32C heatwave with heartbroken families sharing emotional tributes
TWO schoolboys have tragically lost their lives in separate swimming accidents within days, leaving their families heartbroken.
Jamie Lewin and Alfie McCraw, both 16, died after getting into difficulties while on the water - leading authorities to issue warnings over the dangers of open water swimming.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Appley Bridge, in Lancashire, and began a desperate search for Jamie on July 9 after he went swimming in a quarry.
Following the search, Jamie was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Just two days later, Alfie, from Wakefield, also sadly passed away after going open-water swimming during the heatwave.
The schoolboy had recently finished his GCSE's, and was going to Army college in September.
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The tragedies led both families to pay heart-breaking tributes to the lads.
Jamie's mum Steph said her son was "one in a million."
"Jamie was a promising boxer who loved life and had so much to look forward to.
"He was so loved by everyone.
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"He touched so many peoples’ lives in such a short time, he really did spread himself far.
"He really was one in a million. I'm so happy I was his mum. He was only 16 and so full of life and so happy” she said.
Alfie's family set up a following the accident, where they said "he had his whole life ahead of him."
"No parents should be planning to bury their children" they added.
Our advice is to not go into any area of water that isn’t supervised - as the pull of water, cold water shock and hidden dangers can mean even strong swimmers get into difficulty.
Wakefield District Station Commander Jimmy Fitt
Following Alfie's death, West Yorkshire Police issued a timely reminder over the dangers of open-water swimming, especially during the heatwave currently scorching Britain.
Superintendent Nick Smart, of Wakefield District, said: “This was an extremely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of the life of a boy who had just finished his GCSEs.
“The weather is forecast to get even hotter over the weekend and into next week, but we would urge people to not be tempted to cool off in open water, unless it is a supervised area intended for swimming.
“Even in the summer months, open water can be very cold. Anyone entering cold water suddenly is susceptible to hyperventilation, which can result in the body going into seizure."
