A GRIEVING mum has made a heart-wrenching plea after her son died while with three other teens at the River Soar.
Kaleigh Wharton's son Kieran, 13, devastatingly died after being pulled from the waterway in Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire, earlier this month.
A specialist water rescue team and helicopter swarmed the scene, but the teen could not be saved.
Kaleigh has now paid tribute to her son, while urging other parents to take care.
She said Kieran was a caring boy with "a cracking personality".
Kaleigh is now pleading with families and schools to educate their youngsters.
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The mum told BBC: "My advice would obviously be, to any other kids, just don't do it.
"We definitely want to do whatever we can to raise awareness of the dangers of rivers.
"This one has a lock either side, which makes it that bit more treacherous with the undercurrents.
"So I would just urge parents, schools, anybody really to just educate children of those dangers."
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Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service added: "As the weather starts to warm up, open waters can look inviting on a hot summer's day.
"It is important to understand there are a number of hidden dangers, such as deep water, hidden currents, debris or objects under the water and cold-water shock.
"Even on hot days just below the surface, water can be icy cold with fatal effects on strength and stamina."
Police and firefighters were called at 9.15pm on May 13 after four teenage boys entered the waterway.
The other three boys were saved, but Kieran tragically died.
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