Widow of man who died in River Severn warns young people about water safety
Kirsty Walsh’s husband Shane died after falling into the River Severn in Shrewsbury
The widow of a man who died after falling into a river has urged young people to be safe as the summer holidays begin.
Kirsty Walsh’s husband Shane died aged 29 after falling into the River Severn in Shrewsbury in 2017.
Ms Walsh, 36, who became an ambassador for West Mercia Search and Rescue, is urging people to stay safe during in the warm weather as the summer holidays begin.
More than a dozen people have died this year in water-related incidents during hot weather, which Ms Walsh said is “heart-breaking”.
She said: “When there’s been recent deaths it brings it all back to the surface because I can empathise.
“I know what’s happening hour by hour.
“It’s just heart-breaking because I can empathise with the families.”
She added that she will “always be indebted” to the “absolutely incredible” West Mercia Search and Rescue team who helped to find her husband.
Ms Walsh has urged families to sit down with their young people and complete the online Home And Dry course offered by West Mercia Search and Rescue.
She added: “The water looks very inviting and even though the temperatures can be very warm outside, the temperatures of the water can be very, very cold.
“Cold water shock can happen very quickly, it can make it difficult for even the strongest of swimmers.
“I would encourage anybody to go to areas that have safety protocols in place, lifeguards, safety equipment. It’s about enjoying the water in a safe way.
“I would encourage everybody going on a night out to plan their route home before the night out and make sure they’re not walking near water.”
She said “it destroyed my world” when Mr Walsh husband died, adding “everything just crumbled”.
“It was so unexpected and I had two young children.
“We are one of the lucky ones in a sense, we were able to have Shane located, that’s not the same for every family.
“It’s taken a long time to rebuild.”