Urgent open water safety appeal issued after teen tragically dies in Dovestone Reservoir
Dovestone Reservoir / Credit: Steve Bate (via Flickr)
A new open water safety appeal has been issued after the body of a teenager was recovered from Dovestone Reservoir.
At around 7pm last Friday evening (10 July 2026), emergency services responded to an incident at popular beauty spot Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, and upon arrival, they located a man, confirmed to be 18 years of age, unresponsive in the water.
The body was recovered from the water, but despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Speaking on the tragic situation, Detective Inspector Steven Horton, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We have tragically recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water and are conducting extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.
“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is also urging parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water during the hot weather and summer months.
Looks like it will stay warm a bit longer, so why not have a chat with your kids, or other young people you know, about the dangers of open water? It could save their life ❤️
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) July 10, 2026
Important messages to discuss with your child:
• Jumping into open water can be fatal. It can be much… pic.twitter.com/vo5tHSHkyi
One of the most common dangers is cold water shock, as even on warm days, cold water can quickly overwhelm the body, and hidden hazards below the water’s surface can also place people in danger within seconds.
Anyone who finds themselves getting into difficulty in the water is urged to put their head back with their ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, and move their hands to help them stay afloat, remembering that it’s okay if your legs sink as ‘we all float differently’, GMFRS says.
“You can spread your arms and legs to improve stability,” the fire service added in its appeal.
Read more:
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GMP echoed that the public’s safety is ‘our priority’, adding: “Please look after yourselves and enjoy the weather safely.”
Featured Image – Steve Bate (via Flickr)