Firefighters are urging people across Richmond to stay safe around open water following the deaths of a woman and a boy in the River Brent over the weekend.

London Fire Brigade has launched its annual #BeWaterAware campaign after crews were called to reports of two people in the water near Brentford on Saturday afternoon (9 May).

Despite the efforts of emergency services, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The brigade said boroughs along the River Thames, including Richmond upon Thames, are among the areas most affected by water-related incidents in the capital.

Figures released by the brigade show that 40 per cent of water incidents happen between May and August, with more than 1,500 incidents attended across London in the last five years.

During that period, 103 people drowned in non-suicide related incidents.

According to the brigade, more than a quarter of all water-related incidents in London take place in four riverside boroughs — Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth and Richmond.

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha said: "Our thoughts are with the family and their loved ones following this tragedy and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

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"Sadly, over 100 people have died in non-suicide related drownings in London over the last five years, so this Be Water Aware Week we want to remind Londoners about the real and immediate dangers of open water."

The brigade warned that even during warm weather, rivers and lakes can remain dangerously cold, potentially causing cold water shock.

Firefighters also highlighted risks including strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges and sudden drops in water depth.

Residents enjoying riverside areas in Richmond and Twickenham are being urged to only swim in designated areas with lifeguards present and to avoid entering the water if someone else is in difficulty.

Instead, people should call 999 and throw something that floats to the casualty if possible.

The campaign is being led nationally by the National Fire Chiefs Council, which said more than 1,600 people across the UK lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents between 2019 and 2024.

More water safety advice is available on the London Fire Brigade website here.

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