A teenager who died while swimming in Salford Quays has been named as Kalen Waugh.
The 16-year-old tragically died after getting into difficulty in the water on Saturday (July 16). He had been swimming with friends, police said. A major search operation was launched on Saturday evening, with Kalen's body recovered later that night. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Tributes have now started to pour in for Kalen. A fundraiser has also been set up to help pay for his funeral.
READ MORE: Tragedy as boy, 16, dies swimming in Salford Quays
Conrad Asquith, who set up the page and works with Kalen's mum, described him as a 'lovely young man' who had 'his whole life ahead of him'. Flowers and balloons have been left at a bench next to the water at Salford Quays.
Friends also posted tributes for Kalen on Facebook. One wrote: 'Gonna miss you my bro can't believe your not here anymore'. Another friend said: "RIP Kalen rest easy bro'.
Kalen's death was the latest tragedy at Salford Quays - and police and council bosses have again repeated an urgent warning for the public not to swim in the waters of the quays or jump off bridges. In a statement on Sunday, GMP said: "The body of a teenage boy has been recovered from Salford Quays after we were called to reports of a person getting into difficulty in the water yesterday, Saturday.
"Shortly after 6.15pm police were called and emergency service colleagues from GMFRS and NWAS attended. Sadly, a body was located in the water later that evening and was recovered by specialist partners overnight.
"Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the body is believed to be that of a 16-year-old boy who was last seen struggling in the water after swimming with friends. His family has been kept updated and are being supported by specially-trained officers at this extremely distressing time.
"Enquiries are ongoing but detectives from Swinton CID are – at this stage – confident that there aren’t any suspicious circumstances, and a file is being prepared for the coroner."
Detective Inspector Joanne Johnston, of Swinton CID, said: "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. 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.
"From our enquiries so far, we are confident that there are no suspicious circumstances and that this is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water, whatever the weather.
"We remind the public to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds. We all want to enjoy the warm weather; please make sure you do so in a safe way. Think of your family - look out for your friends."
Salford City Council said it has carried out extensive work to try to deter young people and adults from jumping from bridges and swimming in the former docks.
The area is monitored by CCTV cameras all year round and by joint council and police patrols in hot weather - which are now being stepped up. Under 18s caught jumping from bridges or illegally swimming will receive a police warning and adults will be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice, said the council.
Letters warning of the dangers of unsupervised open water swimming have also been sent to parents via local schools.
You can donate to the fundraiser for Kalen's funeral here.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- 'I'm dreading it': The streets where the school holidays are something people fear
- UK heatwave LIVE weather, traffic and school closures updates with red extreme heat warning in place
- “My GP says they can't treat me after 42 years - it's a total bombshell"
Should you keep your windows open or closed in hot weather as heatwave hits?
