South Yorkshire campaigner to attend meeting on open water safety in London
Simon Haycock's teenage son Sam drowned at Ulley Reservoir back in 2021
With the summer holidays getting underway in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire - there's a reminder for young people to 'stay out' of any open water.
130 organisations are meeting today in London today - to discuss a new strategy for reducing drowning deaths in the UK.
Simon Haycock's 16-year-old son Sam died at the Ulley Reservoir in Rotherham 5 years ago after going into the open water there:
"Open water is not safe to swim in, unless you're attending in an organised group with lifeguards present.
"There are so many things that can go wrong.
"Sadly, a lot of young people go off in groups and that is when we're seeing these devastating consequences.
"If you see someone struggling in open water, phone 999, get the person to float on their back, and then throw any equipment out if you can see any - like throwlines.
"We've only just started the summer holidays, so it's a bit of a worry.
"Especially when there is hot weather, people are drawn to open water spaces.
"Parents need to know where their kids are though and what they're getting up to.
"Keep yourself safe and never, ever put yourself in a position where you're not comfortable or in danger.
"Always think about the safety side of things first."
Two people have died in open water across South Yorkshire so far this year during heatwaves.