A teenager who drowned in the Thames in Walton was a "less than average swimmer" who was caught in a strong current, a coroner's court heard.

Dominick Naylor, 15, a Rydens School student who lived in Walton, had gone into the river near the recreation ground in Felix Road to cool off 
in the summer weather on August 31.

A five-minute inquest at Woking Coroner's Court today heard how he and three friends had frolicked in the water before two of the boys got into trouble.

William Richards, a friend of Dominick's, said that the pair had decided to swim to the other side of the river, but began to struggle 
when the current, which was previously calm, became too strong.

Surrey Comet:

Emergency services at the riverside in their search for Dominick (pic: Sue Chambers)

In a written statement read out by assistant coroner Anna Crawford, William said that he had not known about Dominick's swimming ability, which had been "less than average" according to his father Kevin Naylor.

Andy Strong, who had been running along the towpath towards Waterside Drive at about 2.20pm said the group were "messing about" and were two thirds of the way across the river before he heard one of the boys shouting for help.

He said he dove into the river to rescue the pair, but was about 10 to 15 metres away when Dominick suddenly disappeared under the water.

Witness Katy Garrett said she heard the boys' calls for help and rang an ambulance.

Emergency services arrived within minutes and used sonar equipment on neighbour Alan James' riverboat to find Dominick.

His body was tragically discovered two hours later.

A post-mortem examination carried out on September 6 by Dr Michael Hall recorded a medical cause of death of drowning.

No trace of drugs or alcohol were found in Dominick's system, according to toxicology results.

Ms Crawford recorded a conclusion of accidental death by drowning.

Heartbreaking tributes had been left at the riverside in his memory on August 31.

One read: "Heaven has gained a beautiful angel today.

"I wish I had words to lighten your agony but sometimes words are just not enough.

"Please accept my deepest condolences. From a Rydens school family."

Friends said he was a "good mate" and the "brightest star".

Hundreds of people signed a petition calling on Elmbridge Council to allow children under 16 to swim for free in the council's swimming pools and for more life-saving equipment to be installed along the river.

A campaign to fund sonar equipment on boats for Surrey Fire and Rescue Services was also started by family friend Sue Chambers and raised more than £5,900 for the life-saving equipment.