Kingsbury Water Park Death: Teenage Girl Drowns in River Tame Incident
A 16-year-old girl tragically died on Monday evening after her body was recovered from the River Tame at Kingsbury Water Park, near Tamworth. Emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene.
Warwickshire Police have initiated an investigation, urging the public to refrain from speculation. The force acknowledged earlier reports of teenagers jumping from a bridge over the river that afternoon, although the deceased was reportedly not among them. Family members indicated the girl was a pupil at Kingsbury School and unable to swim.
Witness Sandy Barnes, a former lifeguard, described seeing the girl's father enter the river in an attempt to rescue her before the arrival of emergency services. Another teenage boy also reportedly tried to assist.
Chief Inspector Ben Hembry of Warwickshire Police extended condolences to the family, highlighting the tragic impact on the local community. He emphasised ongoing efforts to educate the public on the dangers of open water, stating that officers would maintain a presence in the area.
Warwickshire County Council, which manages Kingsbury Water Park's 15 lakes and over 600 acres, strictly prohibits visitors from entering the water for any activity. Council leader George Finch called the incident "heartbreaking."
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service had recently issued warnings about cold water shock, even on warm days, advising against entering open water due to increased summertime incidents. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) advises anyone falling into water to float, not swim, and to call 999 for help rather than attempting a rescue themselves, particularly if a buoyancy device is not readily available.
