The family of Leon Pafu Ngoy, 18, have paid tribute after he tragically died in the River Irwell, at Clifton Country Park, Salford, and issued a warning about entering open water15:50, 12 Jul 2026Updated 15:50, 12 Jul 2026A teenager died after getting into difficulty in a river with his heartbroken family saying if he had gone to the local swimming baths "he would still be with us".‌Emergency services rushed to the River Irwell, at Clifton Country Park, in Salford, after the alarm was raised on Saturday, June 27, but could not save 18-year-old Leon Pafu Ngoy.‌A major search operation was launched, with crews working through to the following Monday before his body was recovered.‌Leon had just completed his GCSE exams and was 'excited' about his future."If Leon could speak to others today, we believe he would have one important message: no matter how safe the water may look, it is never worth taking the risk," said his family in a statement released by Greater Manchester Police on their behalf.‌"We will always wonder what might have been if different choices had been made. If Leon had gone to the local swimming baths instead of the Clifton Country Park that day, he would still be with us."The family also told of his "infectious smile" and "big ambitions" for the future, reported the Manchester Evening News.The full tribute read: "Leon was our baby, our brother, our best friend and the heart of our family. He was kind, respectful, thoughtful and loved by everyone who knew him.‌"No matter where he went, Leon brought energy, laughter and happiness. People will always remember his infectious smile, his sense of humour and the way he treated others with kindness and compassion."Leon had just completed his GCSEs and was excited about the future. He loved basketball, fashion, music and spending time with family and friends. He had big ambitions and dreams he was looking forward to pursuing.‌"As a family, we are devastated by his loss. The support we have received from relatives, friends and our community has meant so much to us during this incredibly difficult time."We want people to know that nobody was to blame for what happened. It was a tragic accident that has changed our lives forever.“If Leon could speak to others today, we believe he would have one important message: no matter how safe the water may look, it is never worth taking the risk. We will always wonder what might have been if different choices had been made. If Leon had gone to the local swimming baths instead of the Clifton Country Park that day, he would still be with us.Article continues below"In sharing Leon's story, we hope that other families never have to experience the unimaginable pain and heartbreak that we are living through. Leon was deeply loved, and we will carry his memory with us always."The 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.