Izaiah Smith, a teenager, was found dead after swimming in a lake in Beckenham Place Park, south London. Emergency services, including diving teams and firefighters, participated in the search before Izaiah was pronounced dead in the hospital. Friends and family described him as a kind, vibrant spirit, highlighting the impact of his loss. The council has reopened the park but is keeping the lake closed for safety reasons. This incident has raised broader concerns about safety in open water, particularly as drowning statistics have surged among children in England.
Friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to Izaiah, who was described as full of life, always smiling, and a bright spirit who could light up any room.
Lewisham Council... said it was re-opened on Saturday but the lake would remain closed... security in place until further notice.
His death is being treated as unexpected but not believed to be suspicious.
Figures from the Royal Lifesaving Society revealed that the number of child drowning deaths in England doubled in four years, from 20 in 2019/20, to 41 in 2022/23.
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