The body of a 16-year-old boy has been recovered in Scotland making him the 12th person to die in water-related incidents amid hot weather in recent days.
Police were called to a report of concern for a person at Bracklinn Falls near Callander in Stirlingshire at about 6.45pm on Thursday.
The body of the teenager was recovered from the water.
The hot weather has attracted many to open water swimming, resulting in a number of deaths in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire.
It comes as forecasters said heavy rain is set to hit parts of the UK on Saturday after a record-breaking spell of hot weather.
Temperatures on Friday will remain above average for much of the UK, and potentially in the high 20s in the south and east, the Met Office said.
On Saturday periods of heavier rain will move into western areas, including heavy and potential thundery showers to parts of Northern Ireland, while it will be dry in other areas, Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said.
And Sunday will be a day of sunshine and showers.
Mr Madge said: “After a lengthy and historic hot spell of days in the UK above 30C, today is very likely to be the first day which breaks that series.
“We are still expecting above average temperatures for parts of the south and east, and these could be in the high 20s, and temperatures will remain above average for much of the UK.
“Although some locations may remain in heatwave conditions for a little longer, there is a general cooling trend across the UK as air from the Atlantic will start to dominate bringing a more changeable pattern of periods of rain and brighter interludes into the early part of next week.
“Today there will be some rain into western areas, especially western Scotland.“Tomorrow there will be periods of heavier rain moving into western areas especially heavy and potential thundery showers to parts of Northern Ireland.“Still fine and dry for most.
“Sunday a day of sunshine and showers, remaining warm in the south east.”
Meanwhile, the recent heat meant there was an extra billion litres of water used across London and the South East over the bank holiday weekend compared to the same weekend in 2025, Thames Water said.
– What is cold water shock?
Cold water shock is the body’s natural physical reaction to sudden immersion in cold water.
The response is immediate and can lead to drowning, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.
Anyone who suddenly enters cold water is at risk, and they may accidentally fall in or jump in, the NFCC added.
Cold water shock can affect anyone regardless of swimming ability.
– What happens when you have cold water shock?
It causes gasping, panic and loss of swimming ability, all of which can lead to drowning, the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) said.
It also causes a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which can result in a heart attack, even if the person is fit and healthy.
– How cold is the water in the UK?
Many inland waters remain at 16C or below even in summer.
This temperature is considered hazardous for cold water shock, according to the NWSF.
Even on a hot day water can be cold, the RNLI said.
Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are 12C and rivers such as the Thames are colder, according to the RNLI.
Water, depending on its location, depth, stirring and flow into it, can take many weeks to warm up, Professor Mike Tipton, chairman of the NWSF, said.
Sea water around the UK, for example, does not get to its warmest until late August or early September, he added.
– What can people do to stay safe?
Phone Float Throw is a new water safety campaign from the NWSF and Respect The Water.
It provides bystanders witnessing someone struggling in the water with instructions for how to help, without putting themselves in danger: Phone 999 to get help; Tell the person to stay calm and float on their back; Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive.
