Parents are being urged to have life-saving conversations with their children about water safety after five drowning deaths occurred in five days across UK lakes and reservoirs. The toll has been described as "deeply disturbing" by Simon Haycock, whose 16-year-old son Sam died in a reservoir in Rotherham. Haycock leads the Mirror's 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign, which is backed by the RNLI, Olympic champions, and the Royal Life Saving Society UK.
Recent Incidents and Rising Death Toll
The recent deaths include an 18-year-old man recovered from water near the weir at Darley Abbey Mills complex in Derbyshire on Friday, and another 18-year-old found unresponsive at Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham the same evening. Both were pronounced dead despite medical efforts. Earlier, a 16-year-old died after being rescued from Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln on Thursday evening, initially responding to treatment but later passing away in hospital. This followed the death of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer at the same location on May 24. Additionally, the body of a 49-year-old man was recovered from Sykes Reservoir in Stockport on Thursday, and 21-year-old Rowan Booth died in a paddleboarding tragedy at Llyn Geirionydd in North Wales on Tuesday.
Campaigner's Urgent Plea
Simon Haycock said: "It's deeply disturbing. We have got imminent school holidays coming up. Parents must pass the water safety message onto their kids urgently, that conversation is never more important than it is now." He noted that the death toll has now exceeded 30 in the last few months, making this the worst year since he lost his son. Haycock emphasized that the water safety bill, known as 'Sam's Law', must pass before September to prevent further tragedies.
Reservoir Dangers Highlighted
Matt Black, a crew manager with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, warned that reservoirs often offer "no escape" for swimmers who get into difficulties. The incidents have prompted renewed calls for action from bereaved families and supporters. Rotherham councillor Jodie Ryalls, who backs the campaign, said: "I've got no words, it's happening all the time. Stop turning a blind eye and stop acting like this isn't an issue, it's massive. The deaths in water are higher than knife crime."
Community Response
Rowan Booth's friends are supporting the 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign after his death. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the 21-year-old, described as a "crazy lad" with the "biggest heart" who "would happily do anything for anyone for nothing without hesitation." Haycock added: "If we don't change things now these numbers are going to get higher. The Government must sort this out now. It's frustrating and really really sad, it gets you downbeat but at the same time it drives me to keep going and visiting schools. You can't ignore it and you cannot think it won't happen to you, it's happening all over the country."
