The tragedy comes as dozens of young people have lost their lives in reservoirs and lakes across the country amid the record-breaking heatwave10:30, 11 Jul 2026Updated 13:29, 11 Jul 2026Tributes have been pouring in for an 18-year-old man who died in a reservoir in Greater Manchester amid the scorching heat yesterday.‌Emergency services swarmed Dovestones Reservoir in Oldham on Friday at around 7pm following reports a teenager got into difficulty in the water.‌Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene. The Manchester Evening News reports the young man was found unresponsive in the water as crews swarmed the Saddleworth nature reserve.‌The victim has since been identified as Karl Holland with emotional tributes being paid to the "kindhearted, beautiful boy".Friends have taken to Facebook and social media to pay tribute to Karl, who lost his mother, Laura, to a bleed on the brain four years ago.‌It is reported the young man went on to help take care of his younger sister as their grandparents took the siblings in. Karl is also survived by another, older sister.His mother's friend Jaime Smith, whose daughter Kyla is pals with Karl's sister, said: "We're all just in shock, we can't believe it's happened.""Karl was so loved by so many. He always looked after his little sister when they lost their mum four years ago. He always loved life with his friends and was deeply loved by his family and friends. Karl will forever be loved and never forgotten. He was such a bubbly happy boy. May Karl rest easy with his mam."‌Witnesses reported several police cars, fire engines, ambulances and an air ambulance while a cordon was set up.Greater Manchester Police is continuing to conduct its enquiries.‌Detective Inspector Steven Horton from GMP's Oldham district 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."Other tributes have since described Karl as a young man who "loved to have fun and laugh with his friends" and as having a "heart of gold".Naomi Rowbotham, who said Karl was a good pal to her younger brother, wrote: "He was a good kid and so polite. His mum will be waiting at the gates for [him]. Sleep tight kid, gone way too soon. Please be mindful when swimming in open waters."‌Friend Faye Louise also said: "Karl, what do I even say? You were the most kind-hearted, beautiful boy. You shouldn’t have been taken away from us all so soon."I’m absolutely heartbroken, as is everyone else. Back with your mum now, kid. I know she would have welcomed you up there with open arms. Rest easy our boy, love you.”‌Another friend, who asked not to be named, added: "Karl was the life and soul of any and every party. He’d lift the mood the second he walked into the room with his big smile and his long curly hair."His mum passed away a few years ago and she - alongside his sisters and nan - were his entire world. He’d often go to his nana's garden and have a moment with his mum's memorial area before nights out."Karl feared nothing in life and saw everything as an adventure. He will be massively missed by everyone that knew or got to be in his presence. Rest peacefully with your mum. Have a dance with her and give her the biggest cuddle you're back where your heart longed to be rkid x."‌It's the second tragedy in Greater Manchester in just 24 hours, after a 49-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead after getting into difficulty at a reservoir in Alexandra Park in Stockport on Thursday night.Dozens of young people have lost their lives in open water spots up and down the country in the summer months amid the scorching and record-breaking heatwave.‌The drowning death toll continues to climb, with fatalities in double digits this year already. As many as 19 children and adults died in water-related incidents in just one week during the heatwave from May 24 to 31, with 13 of those being children.The UK Health Security Agency is warning of a potential further increase in drownings in the heatwave, as forecasters predict temperatures will continue to exceed 30C this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.Experts warn the risks of cold water shock and drowning in open water spots remains high, as lakes and reservoirs remain dangerously cold.Article continues belowThe Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign to tackle the UK's growing drowning crisis. Backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations and bereaved families, the campaign is calling for urgent action to make our waters safer.That includes compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of Sam's Law, and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety. Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it here.