Warning not to swim in rivers after tragic death of teenage boy in Bourne End

The body of a teenage boy was recovered from the River Thames in Bourne End by divers after a major search operation on Bank Holiday Monday.

It is not clear how the boy came to be in the water, but he was seen getting into difficulty at around 3pm.

Emergency services, search teams and divers descended on the river but tragically the boy's body was found.

It happened the same day that a woman's body was pulled from the Thames further down at Boulters Lock in Maidenhead.

Bucks Fire and Rescue - who attended with crews from Beaconsfield, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Slough and Reading as well as four officers and water rescue boats - have now issued an urgent warning not to swim in rivers, lakes or canals - whatever the weather.

Many people were taking advantage of the hot weather on Monday by cooling off in the Thames - but there are hidden dangers underneath the calm looking surface.

Bucks Fire and Rescue said: "Even good swimmers can be caught out by cold water and hidden dangers such as fast currents, deep holes, soft mud, weeds or rubbish."

They said never to swim after drinking alcohol, avoid routes near water after drinking alcohol, and never dive or jump straight into open water, which could cause cold water shock - even on hot days.

They added that if you find yourself in the water, to extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effects of cold water shock pass.

Never enter the water to try and rescue someone - call 999 straight away.

They said the best thing to do is only swim in a supervised swimming pool - and warning children of the risks of getting into the water.

Police officers from the Marlow Neighbourhood Policing Team added: "Following the recent tragic events, Marlow Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to remind you to take extreme care around the river. Never get out of your depth even if you are a strong swimmer, the currents are unpredictable."