The local community in the Tyne Valley has been urged to work together to prevent further loss of life on the river. Now in its third year, the event on July 4 was launched after three teenage boys tragically lost their lives in the Tyne between 2022 and 2024.
Event Details and Activities
Prudhoe's annual water safety event has been described as the "biggest yet" and will feature safety demonstrations as well as opportunities to get on the water in a kayak, canoe or paddleboard. Children under 17 will also be provided with a free lunch.
Hexham MP Joe Morris has backed the event and the safety campaign around it, which is aimed at educating local youngsters about the dangers of swimming in the Tyne. He said: “I’m looking forward to attending Water Safety Day next month. Water safety is really important to everyone, not just in Prudhoe but across the Tyne Valley and beyond. It’s great to see so many people working together – from council workers, local businesses, voluntary groups and local county councillors Angie Scott and Lawrence O’Donnell. We’re all aware of previous tragic events involving the river, and we need to continue to work together to prevent future tragedies, not just in Prudhoe but all across our communities.”
Previous Tragedies
In 2022, 13-year-old Robert Hattersley died after getting into difficulty in the river between Prudhoe and Ovingham. In 2024, 13-year-old Aras Rudzianskas and 14-year-old David Radut both died following another incident on the same stretch of the Tyne.
Organiser's Message
Organiser Gemma Nixon, project manager at the Prudhoe Youth Project, added: “Our aim is to raise awareness of the dangers of our river, and this family fun day will give us the opportunity to educate young people on what they should do if they find themselves or others in trouble. But our main message is simply not to enter the water. On the day, we will have many emergency services present, including Mountain Rescue, Northumberland Fire and Rescue, the Police Marine Unit, Community Police Team and many more. We have a range of free activities for children, including the opportunity to get out on the river safely with Tyne Valley Canoe Club – and children under 18 will receive a free Greggs lunch. The event is going from strength to strength – and hopefully the message seems to be getting through. We have also had great support from our emergency services and local partner organisations, as well as the Essity tissue mill that is funding the event. I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support. To the community locally and further afield, my message is to stay safe around open water this summer and please come along to what I promise to be a great free event.”
The event takes place at Prudhoe Riverside on Saturday July 4 from 11am and is free to attend. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult to participate in activities.
