North Northamptonshire’s director of public health has issued a warning to residents over the dangers of open water swimming in the forecast hot weather.

The alert comes during Drowning Prevention Week with authorities raising awareness of how to stay safe in and around water.

Young people have been seen swimming in the River Nene at Wellingborough Embankment – the same spot in 2024 where 17-year-old Ronalds Abele died after getting into difficulty in the water.

Inquest held into the death of Wellingborough teen who died in River Nene ‘a for...

Ronalds Abele who drowned in 2024 (family picture) /The Embankment at Wellingborough/IMG

North Northamptonshire's director of public health, Dr Jane Bethea, said: “It has come to my attention that some of our younger residents have been seen swimming in open water at The Embankment in Wellingborough this week.

"They were not only seen swimming in a spot which is known to pose danger, but they also appeared to be unaccompanied by an adult.

“We have alerted Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service and other partners via the Northamptonshire Water Safety Partnership.

“This has left me extremely concerned and has acted as a strong reminder of the dangers the water can present. I urge you all to listen when I say that I advise strongly against swimming, paddling or jumping in all undesignated waterways.”

Nationally 14 people – the majority children – died during May’s heatwave. Wild water spots are not regulated and do not have ‘on-demand’ safety staff to assist if danger arises.

Dr Bethea added: “With rising temperatures across North Northamptonshire, I am issuing this caution to residents of all ages about the hidden dangers associated with swimming in open water locations across the area.

“When the hot days come, the water may appear to be inviting but if the temperature of the water is unexpected this could lead to cold water shock, a condition which can and does kill.

“Quite apart from this very real risk, there may be strong currents that are not visible to the eye or objects under the water that you could get tangled in. I say again, stay away. The water can and does kill.”

Ronalds’ dad Thomas Okyere echoed the warning to parents and children and urged people to stay out of the water.

He said: “It’s very very sad to hear that people have been going down to the Embankment to swim. What they don’t realise are the dangers of the water. People should advise their kids especially when the weather is warm ‘don’t go in the river’. We don’t want them to feel the same pain we’ve been through.”

Last month, Thomas and his family witnessed children swimming in the stretch of water where his son died within metres of warning notices featuring Ronalds’ story. After warning the swimmers he felt compelled to call the police to intervene.

He added: "When the weather is warm, it’s terrifying. You are panicking. It’s so inviting in the water. I plead with the council to pay for a person to walk around The Embankment area to warn them.”

Northants Fire and Rescue Service officers have been supporting Drowning Prevention Week with sessions to raise awareness of how to stay safe in and around water, demonstrating water rescue techniques with throwlines.

A spokesman for Northants Fire and Rescue said: “Across Northamptonshire, open water can be unpredictable and dangerous, even on warm days. Cold water shock, hidden hazards and strong currents can affect anyone, no matter how confident a swimmer you are.”

Advice for people who fall into cold water is to use the ‘Float to Live’ technique – fight the urge to thrash, lean back, and float until breathing stabilises before calling for help.

If a member of the public sees a person in distress in the water they should call 999 immediately and if they are in a position to do so, use the What 3words app to describe the exact location.

They should tell the person in the water to float on their back and provide a buoyant rescue object instead of entering the water themselves.