Police search after boy, 11, goes missing in River Don near Mexborough in 'tragic incident'
At least 14 people have died swimming during the recent hot weather.
Emergency services are continuing to search for an 11-year-old boy who has disappeared into the River Don.
South Yorkshire Police were called to Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough, near Doncaster, last night after reports the boy had vanished while swimming.
A specialist search operation involving drones and an underwater team continues along with the National Police Air Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
SYP said the boy's family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.
Doncaster Response Team Insp Neil Pryce said: “We know, from witnesses and items left on the riverbank, where the boy entered the water.
“Utilising specialist knowledge and skills, a coordinated multi-agency operation is underway and we are doing everything we can to find this young man.
“We are invaluably assisted by an underwater search team, supported from above by the police helicopter and drones.
“This is a tragic incident and we understand that members of the public want to do all they can to help but we must ask that, for everyone's safety, only those who are involved in our operation enter the River Don.
“To give the boy and his family the dignity they deserve, we ask that people do not spectate or film the search operation.”
This is the latest tragic incident of people getting into difficulty while swimming during the ongoing heatwave.
At least 14 people have died during the recent hot weather, with the RNLI reissuing its warning about swimming in supervised places.
Nick Ayers, RNLI water safety lead, said: "We send our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives in the recent water-related incidents.
“During hot weather, it’s common for people to head to open water sites to cool off and enjoy water-related activities.
“The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to visit supervised locations, know what the risks are and what to do in a water emergency. Cold water shock is a major risk.
“It is a physiological reaction that happens when a sudden change in skin temperature occurs, for example from hot air to cold water. It can cause uncontrollable gasping and an increase to blood pressure and heart rate, which can sadly lead to panic and drowning very quickly.
“If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is Float to Live: Tilt your head back with your ears submerged; relax and try to breathe normally; move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat; it’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.”
In Halifax, 13-year-old Reco Puttock died in Leadbeater Dam on Bank Holiday Monday.
Kippax Welfare Rugby League said on social media: “There are just no words befitting for such tragedies, in times of unimaginable grief, rivalries and colours simply do not matter.
“Rugby league has lost one of its own and we grieve as one.
“RIP Reco, may you be forever remembered, loved and cherished in the memories of all those whose lives you blessed.”