An architect who drowned in one of Hampstead Heath’s swimming ponds “knew the dangers” of swimming there and would not have wanted more safety measures put in place, his family said today.
Christopher Slamon, 54, sparked a major search operation after disappearing in a “tragic accident” at Highgate men’s bathing pond on Saturday, the hottest day of the year.
His body was pulled from the water by police divers on Monday.
The father-of-two had met two friends to swim laps in the ponds, which reach 20ft in depth. Mr Slamon, who lived just 350 yards from the men’s pond, had been swimming there for more than 15 years.
A relative said: “Chris was a doting father and he had his dream job and enjoyed every part of his life.
“He loved his children and was a quiet and private person.”
He said the family did not want to attribute blame for the “tragic accident”, adding: “We spoke with the lifeguards and said there was nothing more they could have done.
“We all know the dangers of swimming in the ponds and the last thing he would have wanted was for more safety measures to be put in place.”
His wife said in a statement: “My husband was a wonderful father. The support from friends and family has been a reflection of the huge personality he was.”
An inquest into his death is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
