The mother of a 15-year-old boy who drowned in the River Kelvin has paid tribute to her 'hero' son, as part of a campaign to save young lives. Emilis Vanagas died on July 12 last year after jumping into fast-moving water near Maryhill Road in Glasgow to assist another person in distress.
Brave Act Remembered
Emilis's body was recovered after a five-hour search of an area known as 'Slushie'—a beauty spot hiding deadly currents beneath calm water. His mother, Daiva Daivute, spoke of his bravery to mark Drowning Prevention Week, a campaign educating children and young adults on water safety.
In words shared by the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, she said: 'He lost his life, but saved two other lives, and always will be remembered as a hero. He was our only son, truly the most wonderful gift we have ever received. He was always there for his friends and family, offering a helping hand or a listening ear. He was very smart, he could fix anything you asked him to, he also had a good memory, he knew a lot about the world and what was going on in it, he knew everything you asked him.'
Daiva has campaigned for new safety measures to prevent similar tragedies. She described the decision by Glasgow City Council to install warning signs and repair dangerous railings along the riverbank last year as 'the best Christmas present ever'.
A Life Cut Short
Emilis, who loved motorcycles, fishing, Celtic FC, and had started MMA training, will never be forgotten. His mother said: 'We are all very proud of him for what he did, but at the same time our life was destroyed because we are not going to see him anymore, only what we have left are memories about him. We were honoured to be Emilis' parents for those 15 years. Emilis was the light of our life, he will never be forgotten and stay in our hearts forever.'
Drowning Prevention Week runs from June 30 to July 20. More information is available on the Royal Life Saving Society UK website.
