Knowsley councillors are demanding urgent water safety reviews across the borough following the death of three-year-old Noah Woods in Suffolk. A motion has been put forward by Knowsley Community Independents, Cllr David Hitchmough and Cllr Brian Johns, and is set to be put in front of all Knowsley councillors on Wednesday, October 21.
Motion calls for comprehensive safety review
The councillors are urging the council to undertake a comprehensive safety review of all council-owned or managed bodies of water to assess the levels of risk. Particular attention would be paid to those in close proximity to parks, schools, residential areas, and paths often used by children and people with additional needs.
This follows the death of Noah Woods, who was found dead in a pond after a huge search in Suffolk. The young boy had left a play area "through a gap in the fence", an inquest heard.
Tragedy in Suffolk
The toddler went missing on September 15, prompting a major search in the village of Brantham. During the search, volunteers were told that Noah was non-verbal and partially deaf. His body was found the next day in nearby water by police divers.
The Knowsley motion calls for the council to implement recommendations from the safety review and encourage local landowners in Knowsley to review their own bodies of water.
Water safety skills for children
The councillors ask the council to work with partners to "actively support, strengthen and promote swimming and water-based life skills for primary aged children."
Cllr David Hitchmough said: "This council notes with profound sadness the tragic drowning of three-year-old Noah Woods, a non-verbal child with partial hearing loss who wandered from a nearby play area into open water.
"This heartbreaking tragedy underscores the acute and particular risks that open bodies of water present to young children, especially those with additional needs, neurodivergent conditions such as autism, or sensory and communication impairments who may experience wandering or elopement behaviours alongside a heightened attraction to water."
He highlighted the numerous ponds, lakes, canals and watercourses in the borough's green spaces and communities. He added: "Ensuring public safety requires rigorous, proactive risk management, clear physical safeguards, the regular remediation of underwater and surface hazards, and universal access to vital water survival skills for our children."
