Water safety warnings issued after death of teenage girl at Warwickshire beauty spot
Water safety warnings have been issued by Warwickshire Fire & Rescue crews after a teenage girl lost her life in a river.
Lillianna Tomlinson, 16, died on Monday (May 25) after she entered the River Tame close to Kingsbury Water Park.
A spokesman said: “Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those affected following the tragic incident.
"We recognise the impact this will have on the local community, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected at this very difficult time.
"As we move into the warmer months, we encourage everyone to stay safe when spending time outdoors. Open water can present a range of hidden risks, even in good weather, so it’s important to take care and be aware of your surroundings. Please follow any local safety guidance when near water.”
If you see someone in difficulty in the water: call 999 immediately; encourage the person to float on their back; avoid entering the water yourself - look for something you can use to help from the shore such as a throw line.
The service is reminding the public that many water emergencies happen suddenly and unexpectedly, often close to the water’s edge. People don’t have to be swimming to be at risk, and WFRS is encouraging everyone to make safer choices around rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs and to know what to do if an emergency happens.
Of the water‑related incidents attended by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in the last five years, the majority of accidental incidents involved people falling into water, highlighting how quickly a moment near the water’s edge can turn into an emergency.
Moreno Francioso, Fire Prevention and Arson Manager at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Warwickshire has a wide variety of lakes, quarries, canals and rivers, all of which carry hidden dangers. Even on a warm day, the temperature in open water can be very cold, causing cold water shock – a physical reaction that can make it difficult to control breathing, lead to panic and make swimming extremely difficult.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves around water this summer, but it’s crucial to remember that water can be unpredictable and dangerous. "