The warning comes after police confirmed that the body of a teenage boy had been recovered from Salford Quays on Saturday 16 July, after emergency services were called to reports of a person getting into difficulty in the water at around 6:15pm.
GMP explained that emergency service colleagues from GMFRS and the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) attended the scene, and the body was sadly located in the water later that evening, was recovered by specialist partners overnight.
Although formal identification has not yet taken place, GMP has stated that the body is believed to be that of a 16-year-old boy.
The boy was last seen struggling in the water after swimming with friends.
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GMP has confirmed that the boy’s family are continuing to be kept updated, and are being supported by specially-trained officers at what it has called an “extremely distressing time”.
Enquiries are currently ongoing, but GMP said detectives are “confident” at this moment in time that there aren’t any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, and a file is currently being prepared for the coroner.
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Our thoughts at this awful time are with the boy's family who are being supported by our officers in #Salford.
Please remember to avoid temptation to cool off in open water.
We all want to enjoy the warm weather; do so safely. Think of your family; look out for your friends. https://t.co/Dt4YrybCIk
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 17, 2022
“Yesterday evening’s events are nothing short of devastating and my thoughts are with the friends and family of the young boy who lost his life in such awful circumstances,” said Detective Inspector Joanne Johnston, from GMP’s Swinton CID.
“We are doing all we can to support the boy’s family at this incredibly difficult time, and we are focused on ensuring they get the answers they deserve as to how this tragedy occurred.”
GMP is now joining its fellow emergency services and authorities in urging the public to “avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds”.
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“This is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water, whatever the weather,” Ms Johnston added.
“We all want to enjoy the warm weather – but please make sure you do so in a safe way.”
Firefighters from Salford’s GMFRS division were also at Salford Quays on Saturday to speak to members of the public about staying safe in warmer weather, and took to Twitter to remind people: “Never be tempted to cool off by swimming in open water, or encourage your mates to jump into reservoirs, rivers, canals, ponds, or any other open water.”
Our thoughts are with family & friends of the teen who drowned in Salford Quays this weekend. Open water has dangers even for good swimmers. Don't enter reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds unless it's part of an organised activity. Please enjoy the weather safely. pic.twitter.com/Fn4ZTjzpqK
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) July 17, 2022
Reflecting on the situation as a whole, and raising awareness of the dangers of open water swimming, Area Manager and Head of Prevention at GMFRS, Billy Fenwick, said: “Unfortunately we see tragic incidents of accidental drownings when the weather is warmer, as people attempt to cool off in open water.
“We are urging people to never be tempted to jump into any open water or swim in open water where it is not an organised event.
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“It may be warm outside, but the water is not.
“Cold Water Shock can kill even strong swimmers and there is also the risk of dangers lurking beneath the surface which may cause drowning.”
The fire service also said that banners have been put up in locations of accidental drownings across Greater Manchester to both pay tribute to those who’ve died, and remind people to not enter the water.
GMFRS officers have also been visiting schools to talk to young people about staying safe around water.
The cause of the fire at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium has been confirmed
Danny Jones
The cause of the fire at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium earlier this week has now been revealed.
Man City‘s European fixture against Club Brugge was at risk of being postponed on Wednesday night after a stand inside a merch kiosk set alight whilst fans were still waiting outside the ground.
Footage of the small fire which soon turned into a significant blaze was shared countless times across social media almost immediately, naturally causing plenty of concern for supporters and the club alike.
The incident also saw people speculating as to what sparked it and now a couple of days after the fact, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has confirmed the cause of the fire.
Although many were all too quick to blame the travelling opposition fans, with some even suggesting that supporters from a rival club had intentionally set the fire, arson has been ruled out by GMFRS.
Issuing an official statement to media outlets, the emergency service said: “At around 6pm on Wednesday 29 January, two fire engines from Blackley and Phillips Park fire stations were called to an incident involving a fire and a merchandise unit at the Etihad Stadium, Rowsley Street.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire which was caused by some clothing accidentally falling onto an electric heater. Crews left the scene after approximately 75 minutes.”
Fortunately, the area was sufficiently cleared as soon as the fire was detected and no one was harmed during the incident.
The aftermath of the fire outside the Etihad Stadium tonight.
The fire also wasn’t severe enough to delay the start of the game either, with the Blues going on to notch a crucial 3-1 win to make it into the Champions League playoff.
City will now face either 15-time UCL victors Real Madrid or Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich – who also have half a dozen to their name – in the next round.
Whether they or not they make it past that point into the remainder of the knockout phase, we’ll have to wait and see but the quadruple-winners look to be regaining their form.
If you still have watched the game back, you can find the highlights from the game down below:
The Etihad fire didn’t cause any problems on the pitch – Pep Guardiola’s side looked to get back on track in the second half.
Featured Images — Harry Newton (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Ex-England stars Jill Scott and Gary Lineker receive 2025 Legends of Football Awards
Danny Jones
Former England stars Jill Scott and Gary Lineker have been selected as the recipients of this year’s Legend of Football Awards.
The retired footballers turned pundits and presenters have 241 international caps and a combined 34 years of senior playing days between them, not to mention countless appearances at club level throughout their respective careers.
Confirmed on Thursday, 30 January, the pair joined the ranks of Pele, Wayne Rooney, the late Dennis Law; David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson, BBC colleague Alan Shearer and several other iconic names to have been chosen in the past.
The MBE and OBE duo will receive their awards at a special ceremony at the JW Marriot Grosvenor House in London this Fall.
Our annual charity fundraising night is hosted in aid of @nordoffrobbins – it has raised a staggering £8.5 million to date.
The Legends of Football Awards ceremony has been every year since it was founded back in 1996, with some of the biggest characters in English, European and world football having received the recognition over the years.
On the announcement of her award, Manchester City and Lionesses legend Jill Scott said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive the 2025 Legends of Football award.
“It’s truly an honour to follow in the footsteps of my former international teammates, Fara Williams and Ellen White, who have also been recognised in recent years.
“The incredible work Nordoff and Robbins do cannot be overstated”, says the Women’s Euro 2022 winner. “Seeing the charity’s incredible impact through its use of music therapy to transform the lives of people with life-limiting conditions has been inspiring.
“I’m really looking forward to the evening and excited to raise money for Nordoff and Robbins.”
As for ex-Spurs, Everton, Leicester and Barcelona star, Lineker, the 64-year-old added: “This acknowledgement is an honour and would not be possible without the support of my former managers and teammates.
“I’m thrilled to be part of an incredible evening that celebrates football and music, all in support of Nordoff and Robbins. Their work is vital in transforming lives through the power of music. Music therapy offers an extraordinary means of helping individuals express themselves and connect with others.”
Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best night in the football social calendar”, the Legends of Football event is an annual charity fundraising night, supported by the Premier League, in aid of music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins.
Also the hosts and lead sponsor of the Northern Music Awards, the organisation champions music therapy charity that uses music as a key tool for those diagnosed with disabilities, living with illness or dealing with trauma, aiding expression and communication with others.
Up to now, the annual event has raised over a staggering £8.5 million to date since John Charles CBE was made the first recipient in its inaugural year. Incredible stuff.
Emily Sergeant -
18th July 2022 
