Dozens of staff gathered to lay flowers outside the gates of a water park where an 11-year-old girl sadly died in a tragic incident.
Emergency services were called at around 3.55pm on Saturday to reports of the child getting into difficulty at Liquid Leisure near Datchet.
She was found at around 5.10pm and rushed to Wexham Park Hospital but died, Thames Valley Police said.
The girl’s death is being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched.
On Sunday, staff, including lifeguards and security, were seen laying flowers for the girl in a touching tribute. According to ITV, several were in tears.
Although formal identification has yet to take place, the girl’s next of kin have been informed and they are being offered support by officers.
A mother-of-two, who did not want to be named, said it had initially been hoped the girl would have made it back to shore safely.
The 34-year-old woman, who lives outside Reading and was at the park with her sons, said: "Around 3.45pm lifeguards and the friends and family of the little girl started running along the main walkways that run alongside the lake shouting her name.
"I later learnt that they were hoping she'd somehow managed to make it back to the shoreline and was in shock or passed out.
"They were asking all of us to shout her name.
"There was one lady in particular who was either her mum or someone close to her, that was in swimwear and was visibly shaking and crying whilst shouting for her."
The witness said lifeguards and strong swimmers jumped into the water to look for the girl before emergency services arrived but nothing could be done.
Local policing area commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, Superintendent Michael Greenwood, said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the girl who has died as a result of this tragic incident.
“We are in the early stages of investigating this incident to understand the full circumstances
“There was a swift response from all emergency services and following an extensive search of the lake, the girl, who was 11, was located at around 5.10pm and taken to hospital but sadly died.
“This has been an extremely traumatic and upsetting incident for all involved.
“I am aware that several members of the public entered the lake shortly after the girl got into difficulty, but were unable to locate her.
“I would like to commend them for their courage and bravery.
“My sincere condolences are with the girl’s family and friends, and I would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly traumatic and distressing time for them.”
