Family tribute to Cheshire teenager after Formby beach tragedy

Chiedza Nyanjowa, a 15-year-old from Cheshire, died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the sea at Formby beach. Her family remembered her as a “bubbly person” with a “kind spirit” after she was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in a critical condition.

Merseyside Police said emergency services were called to Albert Road in Formby at about 3.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May 2026, after reports of concern for the safety of a girl. Eyewitness accounts suggest Chiedza got into difficulties in the water, and police said members of the public initially went to help her before emergency crews took over.

The force said Formby beach was “exceptionally busy” that day. Detectives are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as they continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have thanked those who helped Chiedza and supported her family at the scene.

The case has sharpened attention on how danger is communicated at crowded beaches, especially during holiday periods when tide and sea conditions can change quickly. Merseyside Police said they are working with Sefton Council, the National Trust, HM Coastguard and the RNLI to help people stay safe along the coastline.

As part of that safety message, police urged beachgoers to check tides and lifeguard advice before entering the water and to follow the RNLI’s “Float to Live” guidance if they get into difficulty. Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police, quoting incident reference 26000414460, as inquiries continue into a tragedy that has left a Cheshire family mourning a teenager described by loved ones in the warmest terms.