The best friend of a mother-of-three who drowned in a reservoir has pleaded for people not to ignore warning signs as “even the best swimmer could lose their life in the same way”.
Kim Johnson, 33, died after entering Strinesdale Reservoir, near Oldham, on Sunday afternoon after getting into difficulty in the water.
Her best friend Lucille Stephenson said Ms Johnson, who was from Rochdale but lived in Oldham, was a “very competent swimmer” and drowned after being caught in the reservoir’s under currents.
She said: “[Kim’s] family & friends would like to warn others about the dangers of open water swimming.
Ms Stephenson said: “Kim was a loving caring soul who would do anything to help those in need.
“She would light up any room with her energetic personality & could always make you laugh.
“Those who knew her instantly loved her.”
Ms Stephenson said Ms Johnson’s loved ones were “heartbroken at her passing”.
Emergency services were called to the reservoir at 16:50 BST on Sunday, with Ms Johnson’s body later being recovered.
Greater Manchester Police said her death was not being treated as suspicious.
