Man drowns in Anglezarke reservoir trying to save girl

11:35am Thursday 15th May 2008

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FIRE chiefs have urged people to take "extreme care" in and around lakes or reservoirs after a man drowned.

The 34-year-old man died after diving into Anglezarke Reservoir, near Chorley, to try and save his girlfiend's daughter.

Andrew Smith, of Atherton, was trying to help Amy Nowell, 12, who got into difficulties at around 7.40pm on Wednesday.

Police said the girl slipped into the water after trying to catch a ball while she was playing with Mr Smith and her mother, Tricia Nowell.

Amy was able to swim to safety, but Mr Smith drowned after getting in to difficulty in the water.

Police, mountain rescue and fire crews attended the scene and Mr Smith's body was recovered from the water just before 10pm.

John Taylor, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said that even though this appeared to be a tragic accident, people should be aware of the dangers posed by seemingly calm waters such as those at Anglezarke.

He said: "In this case it has been a rescue attempt but it shows the dangers of being in the vicinity of water.

"It is such a heart breaking incident.

"Obviously, an investigation will be launched in to this case but we would reiterate the safety issues of being near water.

"People should use their mobile phones to ring us if some one gets in to trouble in water and we will respond right away.

"They should take extreme care near water and not be fooled by the fact that it looks calm. Always take care near water because there are real dangers."

Police said a report will be submitted to the coroner regarding Mr Smith's death.