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The tragedy comes as dozens of young people have lost their lives in reservoirs and lakes across the country amid the record-breaking heatwave

An 18-year-old man has died in a reservoir in Greater Manchester amid the scorching heat.

Emergency services swarmed Dovestones Reservoir in Oldham on Friday at around 7pm to reports someone had gotten into difficulty in the water.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene. The Manchester Evening News reports the young man was found unresponsive in the water as crews swarmed the Saddleworth nature reserve.

Witnesses reported several police cars, fire engines, ambulances and an air ambulance while a cordon was set up.

Greater Manchester Police is continuing to conduct its enquiries.

Detective Inspector Steven Horton from GMP's Oldham district said: "We have tragically recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water and are conducting extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

"I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the dangers of open water. We strongly encourage people to stay safe and refrain from entering large bodies of water including reservoirs, rivers, canals, or ponds"

"Your safety is our priority. Please look after yourselves and enjoy the weather safely."

It's the second tragedy in Greater Manchester in just 24 hours, after a 49-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead after getting into difficulty at a reservoir in Alexandra Park in Stockport on Thursday night.

Dozens of young people have lost their lives in open water spots up and down the country in the summer months amid the scorching and record-breaking heatwave.

The drowning death toll continues to climb, with fatalities in double digits this year already. As many as 19 children and adults died in water-related incidents in just one week during the heatwave from May 24 to 31, with 13 of those being children.

The UK Health Security Agency is warning of a potential further increase in drownings in the heatwave, as forecasters predict temperatures will continue to exceed 30C this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Experts warn the risks of cold water shock and drowning in open water spots remains high, as lakes and reservoirs remain dangerously cold.

The Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign to tackle the UK's growing drowning crisis. Backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations and bereaved families, the campaign is calling for urgent action to make our waters safer.That includes compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of Sam's Law, and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety. Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it here.

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