Supt Richard Smith, from the South West Command, said: “Despite the best efforts of all involved, we must now sadly conclude that this young lad has passed away.
“His death is a tragedy and I can’t imagine what his family must be going through. All our thoughts are with them.
“I know that on days like today, when temperatures are at record highs, it can seem tempting to jump in and cool off in rivers, reservoirs, lakes or other open water.
“Please don’t. The dangers are real, and tonight in Richmond we saw the dire consequences of what happens when things go wrong.
“To young people in particular, I would urge you to be the person in your group of friends who says ‘no’ and reminds others of the dangers.
“Your intervention could save a life and save another family from experiencing such a terrible loss.”
“Open water is much colder than you think”
Assistant Fire Brigade Commissioner Charlie Pugsley said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the teenager. Please do not go into open water during this heat wave, it can be incredibly dangerous as the water is much colder than you would expect.
“Anything below 15C is defined as cold water and average sea temperatures in the UK and Ireland are just 12C. Rivers like the Thames are colder – even in summer.”
It came after the family of 13-year-old Robert Hattersley said they were “absolutely devastated” after he died when he got into trouble in the River Tyne in Northumberland on Sunday.
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