Water warning after boy rescued from Lopwell Dam

South West Water (SWW) has urged people to avoid entering the water at operational sites after a teenager was rescued from Lopwell Dam near Plymouth.

Katie Roberts, 37, from Plymouth said she rescued the teenager from the water on Saturday when she heard cries for help.

Ms Roberts said the boy was clinging to a step as water "bashed him in the face" and appeared to be pulling him into the River Tavy.

SWW, which managed the infrastructure, warned: "Lopwell Dam is not a designated swimming area, and we urge the public to avoid entering the water at operational sites, and to closely supervise children near open water."

The water company said it was aware of the incident and said, while it was not directly involved, it was "grateful for the swift action taken and relieved to hear that both individuals are recovering well".

Ms Roberts said the boy's swim shorts had come down and "were wrapped around his trainers so he was unable to kick".

"He let go and went under," she added.

"I just clung to him trying to get him out.

She said the boy's friends then managed to grab him and pull him to shore.

Ms Roberts said the experience was "really scary" and said if she had not been there "it would have been too late".

"I think he would have drowned," she said.

"People don't realise how dangerous it is there, a lot of people play on these steps."

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