An 11-year-old girl has died after going missing at a water park in Windsor, Thames Valley Police has confirmed.
Emergency services were called at around 3.55pm on Saturday to reports that the boy was in distress at Liquid Leisure near Datchet.
She was found at around 5.10pm and taken to Wexham Park Hospital but died, the force said.
Some very sad news to bring you tonight as an 11 year old girl has died after getting into difficulties in the water at Liquid Leisure near Datchet.
The thoughts of everyone on the force are with their loved ones and we ask that their privacy be respected at this time. https://t.co/wbAmjtHcBp
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) August 6, 2022
Windsor and Maidenhead Local Police Area Commander, Superintendent Michael Greenwood, said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the girl who has died as a result of this tragic incident.
“We are in the early stages of investigating this incident to understand all the circumstances.
“There was a quick response from all emergency services and after an extensive search of the lake, the girl, who was 11, was located at around 5.10pm and taken to hospital, but unfortunately he died.
“This has been an extremely traumatic and upsetting incident for all involved.
“I know several members of the public went into the lake shortly after the girl got in with difficulty, but they couldn’t locate her.
“I would like to congratulate them for their courage and bravery.
“My deepest condolences go out to the girl’s family and friends, and I would ask that their privacy be respected at this incredibly traumatic and distressing time for them.”
An eyewitness told Sky News the boy had been seen underwater and “didn’t come back up”, at which point lifeguards rushed in.
She said she had been with a group of friends celebrating another girl’s birthday when she disappeared.
Emergency services including Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service were at the scene on Saturday in the afternoon.
Members of the public were asked to call out the girl’s name and staff asked customers for goggles to look for her underwater, according to witnesses quoted by Sky.
“The rescuers were working incredibly hard,” said the first witness.
“After about 30 minutes, we were asked to leave the beach, just as the ambulance and fire service arrived on the scene. There was a police helicopter, an air ambulance and a search and rescue boat.
“I saw one of the adults in the group the girl had been with and asked if there was anything I could do to help, and she just asked to pray for her.”
The girl’s death is being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched, Thames Valley Police said.
Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the girl’s relatives have been informed and officers are offering them support.
Liquid Leisure said it would remain closed on Sunday in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and all those affected by this desperately tragic and disturbing incident,” the statement said.
“As Thames Valley Police is in the early stages of an investigation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further, but we will continue to fully support and assist them throughout the process.”
Liquid Leisure describes itself as home to Europe’s largest water park and offers activities such as wakeboarding and a floating obstacle course, according to its website.
“Liquid Leisure is home to Europe’s largest water park and the first official Ninja Warrior UK water park, set on one of the most beautiful private freshwater lakes amongst stunning parkland in the heart of Berkshire,” their website says.
South Central Ambulance Service and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue have been contacted for comment.
