Police officers rescued a boy who had been pulled from a canal in Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, on Sunday. The incident happened off Hendon Avenue at around 6 pm BST. A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said that despite everyone’s efforts, the child could not be saved and was in a critical condition. WMAS sent several crews, and the first ambulance was on the scene within three minutes of being called.
“On arrival, crews found a boy who had been pulled from the water by police colleagues in a critical condition,” said the spokesperson. “He was receiving basic life support by officers, and ambulance staff immediately took over to administer advanced life support. Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, the child could not be saved, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
BBC reporter James Bovill said that there was no emergency services activity on Monday morning, just police tape at the scene. The towpath by the canal was accessed from a housing estate, which was where the crews were called to on Sunday.
The death of the boy is a tragic reminder of the dangers of open water and the need for vigilance around canals, rivers, and lakes in particular. According to the Royal Life Saving Society UK, 223 people accidentally drowned in rivers, canals, and lakes in 2019. The charity highlights the importance of water safety, which includes acting responsibly around water and learning how to swim. It also urges people to avoid walking by or playing in the water when under the influence of alcohol, swimming in designated areas only, and wearing appropriate clothing for the activity
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