'It looked so peaceful': Birmingham Mum's warning during Drowning Prevention Week

A Birmingham mother whose eight-year-old son drowned after being swept away by an undercurrent is urging families to learn lifesaving water safety skills ahead of the summer holidays.

Rebecca Hinde set up the Joshua Hillstead Foundation in memory of her son Joshua, who died in July 2024 after getting into difficulty in the River Arrow near Alcester.

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio Birmingham during Drowning Prevention Week, Rebecca said she hopes sharing Joshua's story will help prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.

"Josh was only eight years old. It was the day before his ninth birthday," she said.

"We decided to set up the foundation in his memory because I didn't want my son to just die. If his story helps save other children, then that's what we're here for."

Joshua had been paddling in the river with family members on a summer evening when he stepped off a ledge and was caught by an undercurrent.

Rebecca said the water appeared calm on the surface.

"It looked so peaceful," she explained. "That's the frightening thing about rivers. He got swept away by the undercurrent and couldn't swim against the current."

The Joshua Hillstead Foundation aims to educate children and families about the dangers of open water, including rivers, canals and lakes.

Rebecca believes more awareness is needed, particularly in cities such as Birmingham where children may not receive the same level of water safety education as those living near the coast.

Last year she joined campaigners from the Royal Life Saving Society UK in Westminster to push for water safety education to be included in the school curriculum.

She welcomed plans for water safety lessons to become part of learning from September, saying: "It's basic life skills. Our children need this education."

The foundation is also working with swimming providers and community groups to make water safety lessons more accessible, including support for families who may struggle to afford them.

Rebecca highlighted the importance of teaching children what to do if they get into trouble in the water.

"The biggest thing is 'Float to Live'," she said. "If you get into trouble, float and go with the current. Trying to swim against it can exhaust you."

As temperatures rise and schools prepare to break up for the summer, Rebecca is encouraging parents and children to stay vigilant around open water.

"Stay together. Don't take your eyes off children for a second because it can happen so quickly," she said.

"There is so much information available. Through education, we can give children a better chance of survival."

The Joshua Hillstead Foundation is currently being established and plans to work with schools, youth groups and community organisations across Birmingham and beyond to promote water safety awareness.