A HEARTBROKEN mother has paid tribute to her 21-year-old son who drowned after going for a swim in a reservoir during the summer’s heatwave.

Margaret McLoughlin spoke about her much-loved son Dominic after an inquest found the former St Gabriel's RC School, Bury, pupil died accidentally after going for a swim with his friend in High Rid Reservoir, Bolton.

An inquest heard that Dominic, a painter and decorator,got into difficulties during the open water swim with friend Daniel Wawrkowicz on June 5.

He had been under the water for more than two hours before he was pulled out by emergency services late that afternoon.

But Dominic, who grew-up in Whitefield, and lived in Breightmet, got into difficulties after swimming out to a buoy about 10 metres away from the shoreline despite being a “young fit and healthy man”.

Pathologist Patrick Waugh said Dominic died as a result of “dry drowning” when the coldness of the water causing involuntary spasms affecting breathing.

He said: “I would say unconsciousness occurred relatively quickly.”

Assistant Coroner Timothy Brennand concluded the death of Dominic was “accidental”.

He said it was understandable why during a “hot summer’s day” the two young men made the decision to go swimming in open water.

But added: “There is always a risk of a tragedy like this occurring. I’m sure that the family would wish that message is sent out. Dominic had the rest of his life ahead of him.”

Speaking after the inquest, Mrs McLoughlin said: “Dominic was so friendly with everyone. He worked so hard and achieved everything for himself."