Teenager rescued af ter river swim dies in hospital days later
A TEENAGER who was pulled from a Scots river last week died yesterday in hospital.
Scott Couper was rescued from the River Nith on Wednesday night after getting into difficulty while swimming with friends.
The 15-year-old had been critically ill in Dumfries and Gall o way Royal Infirmary.
His distraught parents David, 50, and Lesley, 47, kept a vigil at his bedside.
However, Police Scotland confirmed that he died yesterday morning, despite the efforts of medical staff. A spokesman added that the procurator fiscal had been informed.
Scott had to be rescued while he was swimming in the river at Carnsalloch Gardens, Kirkmahoe, near Dumfries.
He was with six others youngsters at a spot which is said to be popular with local people.
It is thought he had been diving for a ball and didn’t return to the surface. After he was pulled from the water a passing couple, who had been walking their dog, helped to resuscitate him until paramedics and police arrived.
The scene is about half a mile from a main road.
Following the tragedy, police issued a renewed warning about the dangers of swimming in waters which may be deeper, and with stronger currents, than people realise. A spokesman said: ‘The boy had been out swimming with six other friends when it is believed he suffered problems whilst under the water.
‘ Police are urging parents to remind their children of the dangers involved with playing at or near water.’
Alan Beattie, whose son Robson, 14, was at the river, said: ‘He told me they were playing with a ball and the boy went under and didn’t come up.’
Locals said youngsters regularly flocked to the area, close to Kirkton village, despite the dangers.
One said: ‘There’s lots of weeds in the spot where the lad was swimming. It’s possible he got tangled.’
Another added: ‘The water is always cold and there are strong currents around here. A few years ago someone else drowned.’