The family of a teenage boy who died after getting into difficulty on the River Wyre in Garstang have paid a loving tribute to him.
The family of 15-year-old Lotus Bowker, from Kirkham, have also warned other youngsters about the dangers of swimming in rivers and open water.
In a statement, Lotus’s dad David said: “Our son Lotus was such a lovely boy. He meant the world to me, my wife, daughter and four sons.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Those waters aren’t meant to be swam in, as stated there. I want any individuals and especially youngsters to think twice before visiting these dangerous locations which can potentially be costly cheap thrills regardless of social pressures or feeling the need to be included.”
Police were called to the River Wyre close to Garstang Cricket Club at 2.33pm on Saturday (May 17) following reports a teenager had got into difficulty in the water.
Officers quickly attended and found that Lotus was being given CPR by members of the public on the riverbank.
He was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition but despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he very sadly on Sunday morning.
Lotus’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to the coroner’s office in due course.
DI Adie Knowles, of West CID, said: “First and foremost my thoughts remain with Lotus’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“They have lost a son and brother in the most tragic of circumstances and I just want to echo David’s words around water safety. I’d just ask that people think twice before going into rivers, reservoirs or any form of open water. You are unnecessarily putting your lives at risk, and I really don’t want to have to knock on your parents door to tell them that you won’t be coming home.”
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting log 834 of 17th May 2025.
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
