The death toll linked to the recent UK heatwave has risen to nine following multiple drownings across the country over the Bank Holiday period. Authorities recovered the bodies of two teenagers on Wednesday, bringing further attention to the dangers posed by open water during the extreme weather.

A 17-year-old boy was found at Pick Mere near Warrington, Cheshire, while police in Hampshire confirmed the retrieval of a young person who had been missing since Tuesday at Hawley Lake. These incidents add to a series of tragic water-related deaths amid soaring temperatures that reached up to 35.1°C (95.18°F).

Among those who died earlier in the week was Junior Slater, a 12-year-old boy who drowned after jumping 15 feet from a jetty into the River Ribble near Preston, Lancashire. His family released a statement describing him as “the life and soul” of their lives and expressed profound grief over his loss.

Other victims include 13-year-old Reco Puttock, who drowned in a reservoir at Leadbeater Dam near Halifax, West Yorkshire. His mother, Sam, spoke of her sorrow, noting that her son loved spending time with friends. Fifteen-year-old Declan Sawyer died in a lake near Lincoln on Sunday, and 16-year-old Lillianna Tomlinson was found dead in the River Tame close to Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire.

Another 15-year-old boy was discovered dead early Tuesday after entering the water at Rother Valley Country Park on Monday evening. Additionally, a 72-year-old woman’s body was recovered from West Angle Bay beach in Pembrokeshire on Sunday.

In a separate incident, Phil Crow, 68, suffered a cardiac arrest while attempting to rescue his wife and granddaughter who were caught in dangerous conditions at Tregirls Beach in Padstow, Cornwall. His wife, Tina, recounted how they were pulled out to sea by strong waves. Despite successfully helping his wife to safety, Crow was unable to save himself. Their daughter, Mel Thomas, described him as a hero who “saved his granddaughter’s life” and spoke of his deep love for his five grandchildren.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl remains in critical condition in hospital following a rescue from the waters off Formby Beach, Merseyside, on Monday afternoon.

Officials have warned that although temperatures are expected to moderate slightly over the coming days, heat health alerts will be extended for an additional 24 hours. The Met Office has also issued a yellow thunderstorm warning covering much of Wales, the South West, and parts of the Midlands. Authorities continue to urge caution around open water during periods of extreme heat.