The first day of Summer Eights on 27 May was cut short after the death of a fourteen-year-old on the water.
A large police presence, including police cars, policemen watching the river, and a helicopter, unexpectedly gathered at Donnington Bridge from around 6:15pm. By 7pm, racing had been brought to an end and the bridge was closed to pedestrians and drivers.
Thames Valley Police has since confirmed that “a boy died after getting into difficulty in the River Thames at Donnington Bridge yesterday.”
“The 14-year-old boy’s family have been informed and offered support; our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time. The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and our investigation is ongoing.”
The incident comes amidst a noted increase in water-related incidents involving young people. The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) has reminded the public to “stop and think” before entering water, as the record-breaking May heat masks the fact that “water temperatures remain very cold.” This can cause cold-water shock, which restricts blood vessels and puts excess strain on the heart. Oxford University Student Union’s Think TWICE campaign also reminds students of the dangers of open water, including the temperature.
Several college crews were still out on the water, and had already passed under Donnington Bridge on their way to Iffley Lock, but were prevented from returning to the boathouses while the police response took place. This left one boat still stranded at around 8:30pm.
At the Captains’ Meeting on 28 May, it was announced that racing was to continue as scheduled, but without the typical accompanying music and celebration, out of respect.
Summer Eights, an annual university rowing competition which runs from 27 to 30 May this year, follows a course on the Isis from Iffley Lock to Christ Church. Donnington Bridge is a popular spectator spot just before ‘the Gut,’ a notorious bend in the river. The famed racing will now take on a more sombre atmosphere.
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