THE death of a 16-year-old boy who drowned in a lake in Maidenhead has been ruled an accident.

Sean Norbert Anyanwu, who was a student at Cox Green School, was swimming in Bray Lake at about midday on Monday, July 18, when the tragedy happened.

An inquest into his death at Reading Coroner's Office this week heard that Sean and his friend had entered the water in attempts to cool off from the hot weather. It was the day before the UK's hottest day was recorded at 40ºC.

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The inquest heard that Sean was not a strong swimmer and soon got into ‘difficulty’. His friend tried to help him but was unable to and quickly called the emergency services who arrived by 11.55am.

Members of the public also alerted Bray Lake Watersports nearby who went out with boats and poles to help with the rescue efforts.

Sadly, Sean’s body was located just after 1.35pm – an hour and 40 minutes later and eight metres from the place he was last seen. Resuscitation efforts were made but Sean was pronounced dead at the scene.

Berkshire's senior coroner Heidi Connor said she has ‘nothing but praise’ for the emergency services involved.

“It was fair to say that the odds were against Sean once he went into the water,” she said. “There is no blame to be considered here. So many young people think they’re invincible and the risks that their parents and others told them about will never happen to them.

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“This is not his friends fault – I note his courage trying to help Sean. There was clearly a strong bond between the two boys."

Mrs Connor confirmed she will writing a ‘Prevention of Future Deaths’ report to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead asking them to indicate what progress can be made educating youths about water safety.

Andrew Aldridge, community safety manager at the council, spoke at the inquest about the authority’s plans to improve education targeted at young people including the involvement of social media, visits to schools, new signage, and free swimming lessons for youths.

Sean’s family have also expressed an interest in being involved in the campaigns to help spread awareness of the risks.

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Concluding the inquest, Mrs Connor said: “I return a verdict of accident. I deal with sad stories every day but some stories stick with me more than others and Sean’s will be one of those. My absolute heartfelt condolences.”