A woman’s body has been recovered from the River Avon after a major search.
Emergency services were called to the incident near Kensington Meadows, off London Road in Bath, at around 7.30pm today (Friday).
Wiltshire 999s understands that a woman was swimming in the river with friends, while enjoying alcoholic drinks, before disappearing in the water.
Witnesses to the incident phoned 999 and police, fire and the ambulance service were scrambled to the scene.
Great Western Air Ambulance and Hazardous Area Response Team ambulance crews were deployed alongside local first responders.
Following an intense search by emergency services, the woman’s body was recovered from the river. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rescue teams have since been stood down, but police remain – with detectives from CID questioning the victim’s friends who were present at the time.
The news comes just two weeks after a body man’s body was recovered from the River Avon in Bradford on Avon, after he was swimming with friends.
Swimming in rivers can be deadly, with the Environment Agency warning of serious risks that are often underestimated.
Cold water shock is one of the biggest dangers — even in warm weather, river temperatures can cause sudden muscle failure and breathing difficulties, leading to drowning.
Strong currents, deep water, and hidden hazards like rocks or branches also pose significant threats.
Many fatal incidents occur when people jump or fall into unfamiliar rivers, unaware of what lies beneath the surface.
Officials stress the importance of checking conditions before swimming and urge the public to think twice before entering rivers, especially alone or under the influence of alcohol.
Avon and Somerset Police statement
“Shortly before 7.20pm on Friday 11 July we received a report that a woman, in her 30s, had got into difficulty in the River Avon at Bathampton. She had last been seen swimming in the water close to the Grosvenor Bridge Road footbridge.
“Emergency services attended the scene, with Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the National Police Air Service helicopter leading the search efforts.
“At approximately 8.15pm, the fire service located the woman who was recovered from the water. Unfortunately she was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later.
“The woman’s next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are with them following these tragic events.
“A file will be prepared for the coroner in due course, but the circumstances of the woman’s death are believed to be non-suspicious.”
