The latest incident happened at Dovestone Reservoir
08:21, 11 Jul 2026Updated 08:45, 11 Jul 2026
Dovestone Reservoir (stock image)(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
The fire service has issued a statement after the death of a teenager at Dovestone Reservoir – the second water tragedy in just 24 hours.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said specialist water rescue teams were sent to the scene in Saddleworth, Oldham, on Friday night, but the 18 year-old was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 7pm.
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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At just after 7pm on Friday, fire crews were called to reports of a person in the water at Dovestone Reservoir, Greenfield.
“Fire engines from Oldham, Mossley, Stalybridge and Salford, alongside specialist water rescue resources from Heywood and Ashton-under-Lyne, quickly attended the scene.
“Firefighters worked alongside colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Police to locate and rescue a casualty from the water. Despite the best efforts of all emergency services at the scene, the man was sadly pronounced deceased.
Fire crews were called on Friday night(Image: Men Media)
“The thoughts of everyone at GMFRS are with the family and friends of the man at this difficult time. Firefighters remained in attendance for several hours.”
Detective Inspector Steven Horton said: “We have tragically recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water and are conducting extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the dangers of open water. We strongly encourage people to stay safe and refrain from entering large bodies of water including reservoirs, rivers, canals, or ponds Your safety is our priority. Please look after yourselves and enjoy the weather safely.”
It’s the second tragedy in Greater Manchester in just 24 hours after a 49-year-old man sadly died after getting into difficulty at Sykes reservoir at Alexandra Park in the Edgeley area of Stockport on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, another major search operation was launched at Chorlton Water Park on Friday night following reports that several people were ‘struggling’ in the water. Firefighters and two specialist water rescue units were called to the scene and carried out a ‘full sweep’ of the lake.
After a 40 minute search it thankfully emerged all the people had left the water before emergency services arrived.