The family of an 18-year-old who drowned in a Scottish river has spoken of reliving his death during every subsequent water tragedy. Ben Glen died in the River Nith in Dumfries on 30 April, just days after his birthday. He was afraid of water and could not swim.
Since Ben's death, at least 17 people, including 11 teenagers, have died in water incidents across the UK during warm weather. His father, Ian Glen, said each new tragedy makes the family relive their own loss. 'We feel what that family are going through,' he said.
Ian and his wife Cheryl are now urging young people to think twice before taking risks in open water. 'They all seem to be avoidable deaths,' Ian said. 'We don't want any family going through what we're going through at all – it's the worst thing in your life that could ever happen.'
Ben entered the water to retrieve a dog's ball while walking with his girlfriend and her family. His girlfriend's family tried to help but were pulled to safety by a passer-by. Ben was in the water for 45 minutes. Ian said: 'We know he's 18, a young lad, and they do silly things. Everyone's been that age. But to put yourself in that danger – I don't understand.'
Jane Dickerson of Port William Inshore Rescue described the recent spate of fatal incidents as 'absolutely heartbreaking'. She advised people to stop and think before entering water, check tides and currents, stick with friends, and if in trouble, 'float to live' by lying back with ears in the water. She warned against entering the water to rescue someone else, as it could create a second casualty.
