Chiedza Nyanjowa, from Cheshire, was taken to Alder Hey children’s hospital after getting into difficulties in the sea off the coast of Merseyside. She died in the hospital on Saturday, according to Merseyside police. The family of the 15-year-old girl have paid tribute to her, describing her as a 'bubbly person' who loved Christ and going to church.

Her family said in a statement that Chiedza wanted to be a nurse so she could 'give back'. She will be 'greatly missed and remembered for her kind spirit'. The police said her family would like to express their gratitude to everyone that helped Chiedza, adding that her family are glad there were people around her to support her – the support shows that she was loved.

In a separate incident, a 19-year-old man died after getting into difficulties in the water at Balderton Lake in Nottinghamshire. Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a man entering the water. The man was recovered from the water, treated at the scene, and later died in hospital. No suspicious circumstances are believed to have been involved, and a report will be prepared for the coroner, the police said.

Chief Inspector Clive Collings said: 'During hot weather, people want to keep cool, but open waters are exceptionally dangerous; there’s no way of telling what’s beneath the surface.'

In Norfolk, search teams from the police, fire, coastguard, and air ambulance services are continuing to search for a man in the River Yare at Surlingham. Many people have been attracted to open-water swimming due to the sweltering conditions, resulting in a number of deaths in various parts of the UK.

According to the Met Office, England and Wales experienced their hottest May days on record. Temperatures soared to 35.1C in Kew Gardens, west London, while 32.9C was measured at Cardiff’s Bute Park.

The Royal Life Saving Society has issued a warning: water temperatures remain very cold despite increased air temperatures. Cold water shock can make swimming difficult and harder to get out of the water.

Anyone seeing someone in an emergency in the water should call 999, stay out of the water themselves, and throw something that floats, such as a plastic water bottle or football, for them to hold on to, the RLSS added.

Heatwave Death Toll Rises to 14

  • At least 14 people have died in similar incidents across the UK during the current heatwave – a total that is likely to rise as investigations continue.
  • Ten people are reported to be seriously ill and in hospital.
  • Water temperatures remain very cold despite increased air temperatures, which can make swimming difficult and harder to get out of the water, according to the Royal Life Saving Society.
  • The Met Office reported that England and Wales experienced their hottest May days on record, with temperatures soaring to 35.1C in Kew Gardens, west London.