Oxford teenagers swimming in Thames days after boy’s death

Groups of kids were seen diving into the water on Friday, May 29, just 48 hours after the death of Baltazar L’Quy near Donnington Bridge.

Meanwhile, local people have called for greater safety measures, including information about depth and current, around swimming spots in the city.

READ MORE: Floral tributes left near bridge where teenager died

Baltazar got into difficulty when swimming in the River Thames on Wednesday, May 27, before he was pronounced dead.

Following the tragedy the Oxford University inter-collegiate rowing races (‘bumps’) were postponed and a fundraiser was set up for funeral costs and supporting the family.

The police incident near to Donnington Bridge on Wednesday, May 27 (Image: Zoe Broughton)

The teenager is the 11th person to die in water-related incidents during the recent heatwave across the country.

Since then warnings have been issued about open-water swimming including by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue who released a series of videos focused on the dangers of water and what actions to take if you or someone else fall in or gets into difficulty.

Even so teenagers continued to swim in the river with groups of schoolchildren, enjoying their half term by diving into the Thames at Port Meadow.

The Wolvercote Bathing Area where many people swim (Image: Matthew Evans)

Further down the waterway at Wolvercote Bathing Area, where many people swim, locals expressed their shock at the news.

“As a dad I am completely freaked out by it,” said David Twycross.

The 51-year-old added: “My son is around the same age. I have told him he is now not allowed to swim in the River Thames anymore.”

Alison and David Twycross (Image: Matthew Evans)

Reacting to the death, Dr Srilakshmi Sharma, 50 said: “It happens every bloody year.”

She sympathised with the family and recalled her uncle who died saving a teenager from drowning in the 1990s.

“His mother has still not recovered,” she said.

Dr Srilakshmi Sharma and Amanda Sharma (Image: Matthew Evans)

Dr Sharma added: “It’s a lack of education. Kids are intelligent enough to make decisions if they have the knowledge.”

She and her relative Amanda Sharma suggested that there needs to be better education about open-water swimming, noting that most kids learn in pools.

“You do not understand how the water functions outside the swimming pool,” said Amanda Sharma.

Both also suggested better signage about the depth of water and currents might be useful, an idea that was backed by Hari Deep, 33.

Hari Deep (Image: Matthew Evans)

He swims regularly and, although he described himself as a “risk taker” said he doesn’t feel so comfortable swimming when the water isn’t clear.

“Signs posted would help people,” he said.

Mr Twycross and his family suggested there could be a designated beach area in Oxford which has a lifeguard, while Alison Twycross noted that the current is a “bit strong” around Donnington Bridge.

She learned to kayak in the area.

READ MORE: Growing number of HMOs criticised as ‘quick-fix’ to Oxford housing crisis

Michelle Clee (Image: Matthew Evans)

Michelle Clee has a 14-year-old child and said she would be comfortable him open-water swimming in safe areas with others present.

“If his friends were around,” said the 44-year-old, “then I would be happy”.

She suggested more spots on the river where people can easily get in or out – such as steps – could help reduce incidents.