A 15-year-old girl who got into difficulty while swimming at Formby Beach in the United Kingdom has died in hospital, prompting an outpouring of tributes from her heartbroken family.
Chiedza Nyanjowa, from Cheshire, was rushed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in a critical condition after the incident on Bank Holiday Monday. She sadly passed away on Saturday. Her passage is the 13th tragic water-related death since the beginning of the heatwave.
Emergency services were called to the beach on Albert Road at around 3.30pm following reports of concerns for someone’s safety in the water. Members of the public were among those who tried to help the teenager before she was taken to hospital.
Paying tribute, Chiedza’s family thanked everyone who came to her aid during the emergency.
They said: “Our family would like to express our gratitude to everyone who helped Chiedza. We are grateful there were people around her to support her. Their actions showed how much she was loved.
“This is a difficult time for the family and we would appreciate any form of prayer.”
The family described Chiedza as a bright and caring young girl with a deep faith and a passion for helping others.
“She was a bubbly person who loved Christ and loved going to church. She enjoyed cooking and was always willing to give to others. She wanted to become a nurse when she grew up so she could give back.
“She will be greatly missed and remembered for her kind spirit.”
Merseyside Police confirmed that a report has been submitted to the Sefton Coroner’s Office.
Chiedza’s death comes amid growing concern over a series of water related tragedies during the recent spell of hot weather across the UK.
Several people, including children and teenagers, have lost their lives in rivers, lakes and coastal waters in recent days. Safety organisations have renewed warnings about the dangers of open water, stressing that even when air temperatures are high, water temperatures can remain dangerously cold.
The Royal Life Saving Society said warmer weather often leads to an increase in accidental drownings and warned that cold water shock can quickly leave swimmers struggling to stay afloat or return safely to shore.
The charity is urging anyone who sees someone in trouble in the water to call 999 immediately, avoid entering the water themselves and instead throw a floating object to the casualty while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
The death of Chiedza Nyanjowa has left family, friends and the wider community mourning a young life full of promise, kindness and ambition.
