The family of a 12-year-old boy who drowned in a river have paid tribute to their son, describing him as their “little blue-eyed boy.” Junior Slater’s body was recovered from the River Ribble at Ribchester, Lancashire, at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday.

Junior’s family, who live in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, released a statement expressing their grief, saying he would be deeply missed and referring to him as the “life and soul of our lives.” They added that words could not fully convey the depth of their sorrow.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with swimming in open water. The Royal Life Saving Society has called on the public to exercise caution and “stop and think” before entering natural bodies of water during warm weather. The organization highlighted a recent surge in drownings, noting that nine people lost their lives over the past weekend alone.

With rising temperatures prompting more people to seek relief in rivers, lakes, and other open water sites, safety advocates emphasize the importance of awareness and preparedness to prevent further tragedies.