Whilst reading the Daily Telegraph this morning, I came across this very sad
article written by Rachel Quarrell:

"A boy of 12 drowned yesterday while rowing on a training outing on the
Thames.

The child, a member of Reading Rowing Club, died after his single scull
capsized and he fell into chilly water at Caversham just before 10am.
Despite reaching the bank, he was unable to pull himself out and disappeared
below the surface.

After a call from a passer-by, local rescue services sent a police
helicopter, an air ambulance, a thermal imaging camera and three rescue
boats.

His body was not discovered until 1pm after police divers had taken over the
search.

His identity will be released formally today but he is thought to be the
youngest of three schoolboy brothers, all of whom learned to row at Reading
Rowing Club.

Tony Holland, club president, said: "All we are able to say is we are very
sorry that such a tragic incident has occurred."

The boy's father and elder brother were at the riverside within half an hour
of his disappearance, but could only watch from the bank as the search went
on."

I guess it's a risk that's ever present at this time of year but thankfully
very rarely has consequences like this. I'm sure all our thoughts are with
the boys' family and Reading Rowing Club.

Steve Vaslet