It comes days after 15-year-old Izaiah Smith tragically drowned after swimming in a lake in Beckenham on Friday (April 4).
The Met’s Marine Policing Unit (MPU) have noticed a recent rise in incidents in water – sometimes leading to death.
Chief Inspector Rob Ranstead, who leads the Met’s MPU, said: “We see the heartbreak and devastation these preventable tragedies cause – with families changed forever in a matter of seconds.
“We absolutely understand the natural draw of rivers, lakes and open water across the city.
“However, we have sadly seen a recent rise in incidents where people have got into difficulty – and very tragically, some have lost their lives.
“So I want to make a direct appeal to the public: please enjoy London’s waterways safely, but never underestimate the risks.
“Open water may appear calm and inviting, but it can be dangerously deceptive.”
A post by Izaiah’s football following his passing expressed the heartbreak of his passing.
It says: “It is of course impossible to find the words to explain what a tragedy this is.
“Izaiah was a hugely popular and talented young man and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.”
Police described him as getting into difficulty after swimming in the lake in Beckenham Place Park.
He was pulled from the lake around 10.45pm before being taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Izaiah is one of two young people to have gone missing or drowned in open water in the past week.
11-year-old Kayleigh Coa went missing after entering the River Thames near London City Airport, on March 31 at 1.23pm and is yet to be found.
She was reportedly playing on a slipway in Woolwich on a day off school before disappearing, sparking a huge river search.
Chief Inspector Ranstead added: “Strong currents, sudden drops, hidden hazards and cold-water shock can affect even the strongest swimmers.
“Once a person is in the Thames, for example, they will almost definitely struggle to keep afloat or in control.
“The river holds currents stronger than any person and moves at extreme speeds.
“The water may look calm but the tides are extremely strong and fast, able to easily drag someone a mile in just ten minutes.”
On average the Met’s MPU is called to over 140 incidents each month on the River Thames.
Advice given by the police is:
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Do not swim in open water unless it is part of a supervised and safe environment.
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Never enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Talk to your children and young people about the risks—many incidents involve teenagers during school breaks or weekends.
The MPU works with partner agencies such as the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Port of London Authority, Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum and London Fire Brigade, to help keep the tidal stretch of the Thames safe for Londoners.
If you find yourself in the water, follow the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ steps:
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If you fall into water, fight your instinct to thrash around.
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Lean back, extend your arms and legs.
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If you need to, gently move them around to help you float.
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Float until you can control your breathing.
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Only then, call for help or swim to safety.
