Boy, 15, died after river jump despite efforts to save him

A teenager died after jumping into the Wyre despite the heroic efforts of members of the public who tried to rescue him.

- by Gazette Reporter

Lotus Bowker suffered multiple cardiac arrests when he was unable to swim in a two-metre deep part of the river near Garstang Cricket Club having jumped in with friends in May.

An inquest heard the 15-year-old had decided to swim in the water despite having previously been ordered not to go there by his parents and even though his swimming ability was limited to “no more than a doggy paddle”.

Coroner Emma Mather ruled that Lotus’s developmental learning disorder probably contributed to his decision to enter the water and played a role in his death.

Lotus was described as being easily led with a condition that affected his decision making as well as his ability to read and write. He was remembered by his head teacher as a “lovely boy who was well liked”.