Latest news with #RLSS
BBC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
South Yorkshire fire chief calls for minister for drownings
South Yorkshire's most senior firefighter has met MPs to call for the government to do more to prevent lives lost to fire officer Chris Kirby visited Parliament this week as part of the Royal Life Saving Society's (RLSS) Drowning Prevention joined the group in asking for a change in the law, as drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in the UK, but has no dedicated minister in Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is called when people swimming in open water during warm weather get into difficulties. Mr Kirby said: "What we've noticed in the fire and rescue service over the last 10 years is the significant increase in the number of people who are getting into difficulties within the water."They often don't intend to climb in the water, but our climate is getting warmer and we're having sustained periods of warm weather so people will be attracted to the water."We want to encourage people to swim safely, understand their limitations, and we're just calling out more awareness for water safety matters."We also want there to be a government minister responsible for water safety in England and also want the government to realise that responding to emergencies is not a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England, yet it is in the devolved nations including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland." He also issued advice for people who may find themselves in difficulty in the water this Kirby said: "We want to make sure they know how to float by laying on their back, keeping their head above water, and gently paddling their arms and legs and breathing normally."When people start to panic they are much more likely to get into difficulties."We also recommend people to never swim alone, do it with friends or at least make sure there is somebody to call 999 if anyone does get into difficulty." Also attending the event was Simon Haycock, whose son Sam died in Ulley Reservoir, near Rotherham, in said he was continuing to share the story of Sam's death as the dangers of open water still needed said: "Seeing South Yorkshire Police recently put out a warning about young people being seen swimming at the reservoir made me feel gutted as it is painful to hear people are still going in there."These waters are not safe to swim in and most of the places people swim in, they're not thinking about their strategy of, 'how am I going to get out', or 'how hard is it going to be if I get in trouble for someone to come rescue me?' "There's all these factors and risk assessing that they are not doing – they are just having fun and they are putting themselves in danger without even knowing it."We've learnt the hard way and we don't want other families going through what we went through as it's heartbreaking, We were robbed of a future with Sam just for him having a bit of fun."The BBC has contacted the government for a response. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
Metro
5 days ago
- General
- Metro
My son went to the beach with his friends and never came home
I turned to my son, Joe, with open arms. 'Come on then,' I said. 'We both know you're not going to give me a hug in front of your friends.' He was 17, and we were just about to leave the house on Wednesday May 31, 2023 so I could drop him at the station for a day out with his mates. He rolled his eyes, the way all teenagers do when their mum's being 'embarrassing', but still proceeded to pull me in tight for a strong and solid hug Had I known then that this would be the last one we'd ever have, that just hours later I'd be getting a phone call saying that he'd died from accidental drowning, I'd have brought him closer, held him for longer and, in all likelihood, never let him leave the house. But, of course, I didn't know. How could I? It was the last thing I ever suspected could happen to him. Joe knew exactly what he wanted out of his life: To be happy, healthy and a famous chef to boot. And as a regular gym goer, strong swimmer, with a part time job as a trainee chef at Southampton Football Club, and coming to the end of his first year of chef training at college, he was already part of the way there. So, when he told me he and a group of friends were going to Bournemouth during May half term 2023, I didn't think anything of it. He deserved to let off steam. Besides, as resident 'dad' of the group, I knew he'd be sensible. Sure enough, that morning, as I was answering some work emails, Joe raced around the house booking train tickets for his friends, confirming plans while making sure there was enough sun cream and a spare phone charger packed in his bag. After hugging at the front door we jumped in the car, picked up his best mate and I dropped them off at the station. I'd barely brought the car to a stop before they leapt out of their seats and started running for the train. 'Bye then!' I called out of the window after them. 'See you later! Love you lots,' they both replied. My day continued as normal from there: I finished work, had lunch with a friend and had sporadic contact with Joe. He texted once while on the train, then again when they arrived and I also saw he uploaded a picture to Snapchat and Instagram but that was it. At 3.45pm, I fired off a text to Joe saying that I hoped he was having a good day. I didn't know it then but, that was around the same time Joe was being dragged under the water. At 4.27pm, I first learned of the incident when my phone rang. It was Joe's number so I answered cheerfully expecting to hear his voice. Only, the person on the other end was a girl – one of his close friends who I knew 'There's been an incident,' she said quickly, tripping over her words in what I now know was a state of panic. 'The lifeguards are with Joe but that's all I know, and I had to tell you.' My brain could barely keep up. What had happened? Why was Joe with the lifeguards? What was the incident? He was OK though, right? Drowning Prevention Week is the Royal Life Saving Society's (RLSS) biggest campaign of the year educating families, carers, teachers and instructors about water safety between 14-21 June 2025. Click here to help spread the word and find out which leisure operators and swimming pools/schools are involved For those that have lost a loved one to drowning, support is available here Joe's best mate got hold of me soon after and he told me that Joe was on the beach, that paramedics were working on him, but that he didn't know if he was OK. 'They've said you need to come to Bournemouth as soon as you can,' he told me. I was worried, naturally, but all I kept thinking was that Joe was young, fit, strong. Whatever was wrong, he'd come out the other side. More calls followed – I had to update my husband and our other son that something was going on – and the police also called me to confirm Joe's name and date of birth. When I asked if he could give me any update the officer simply said: 'I've got a lot of casualties I'm dealing with. I'll get back to you when I know more.' That word, casualties , stuck with me. But I never for a moment believed Joe would be one of them. At 5.41pm the police called me again, this time from the hospital, and once again I begged for an update: 'What's the situation? Please tell me what's going on. I need to know.' An A&E doctor then took over the phone and asked if I'd already left home. I hadn't as I was waiting for my husband to get home. That's when he said there was 'no need to hurry'. I didn't understand. Gently, he said: 'It's too late. We can't do anything more for him. I'm really sorry to tell you Joe's died.' I literally fell to my knees and sobbed. The grief was instant. My heart broke. My boy, who left home healthy and strong that morning, was suddenly gone and our lives would never be the same again The hours that followed are somewhat of a blur: I called around to tell people the news, each person being more confused than the next about how this could happen, and my husband and I spent the entire 45 minute car journey in stunned silence. Still none of it felt real. However, when we arrived at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and I saw Joe laying there like he was asleep, with sand in his hair, yet cold to the touch, it suddenly became very real. This had happened. My son had died. Between his friends' accounts and the inquest in October 2024, we slowly pieced together Joe's last moments over a number of days, weeks and months. At 3.15pm Joe and some of his friends entered the water in the designated safe swim zone and close to the lifeguard station. For 30 minutes they'd laughed, splashed, generally just enjoyed themselves and were only waist high in the sea. Then, out of nowhere, the sea became chaotic. Waves – which had been just waist high – became ever stronger until one larger than his head hit Joe, sweeping him under the water and out to sea. During the inquest at Dorset Coroner's Court, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third said that at 3.45pm an intense rip current took hold of the sea. A rip current, I later learned, is a strong current caused by a change in frequency of the waves, which can quickly drag people away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water. The Royal Life Saving Society UK advises everyone to follow the water safety code. This includes: Stop and think Assess for dangers before you go into the water Stay together Swim with friends and family who will be able to help if you get into trouble Call 999 If someone is in trouble into the water, call 999 instead of going into the water Float If you do fall into the water, float and then shout for help Dr Simon Boxall, an expert in physical oceanography, estimated that on that day the flow could have exceeded 6mph, which he said was a 'significant speed'. 'An Olympic swimmer wouldn't be able to swim against that sort of flow', he added. In short, because of how quick it all happened, Joe, despite his youth and fitness levels, never stood a chance. Between the first lifeguard running into the water and the first ambulance arriving, there is roughly a 30 minute window where Joe is completely unaccounted for. I don't let myself think about what he was going through at that time. What I do know is that the RNLI rescued eight people from the water that day and that, just after 4.15pm, Joe was found unresponsive, face down in the water and rushed to shore on a jet ski That's when lifeguards and paramedics began working on him. That's when my phone first rang. I took some comfort in knowing that Joe was briefly revived by the Dorset and Somerset air ambulance team on the beach, his friends not too far away, but it still didn't change the outcome. The RNLI suggests anyone who finds themselves in difficulty in the water try to float. These are their five tips for people on how to float: Tilt your head back, with ears submerged Relax and try to breathe normally Move your hands and legs to stay afloat It's OK if your legs sink (we all float differently) Practise floating at a supervised location, like a swimming pool Find out more here My boy, along with a 12-year-old girl called Sunnah, were the tragic victims of what the coroner called an 'unexpected anomaly of nature' and their deaths were officially ruled an accidental drowning. Since then, Joe's friends, family, all of us have all been trying to move forward. But with every birthday, Christmas, anniversary and milestone his friends reach, there is always a massive hole in our lives where Joe should be. For my husband, eldest son and I, one of the hardest things has been trying to work out how we live as a family of three when we're meant to be a family of four. Suddenly things feel different and wrong. Perhaps one of the only things that has kept me going is my determination to ensure Joe's story helps others. At the end of the inquest, the coroner said she was concerned that public education water safety messages – including the RNLI's Float to Live campaign – were not more widely known about. And I couldn't agree more. More Trending We need mandatory education in schools over water safety, we need to teach our children about the dangers of rip currents – especially as they are a major cause of accidental drowning and account for over 60% of RNLI lifeguard incidents in the UK – and everyone should know the water safety code. Because if this can happen to Joe – who was following the rules and a strong swimmer – it really can happen to anyone. All I want is to bring my son back, to hug him one more time, but I can't. So, if telling his story, raising awareness and hopefully, one day, getting water safety onto the national curriculum can help even one person, then I hope it's a legacy he would be proud of. As told to Emma Rossiter Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: UK travel company goes bust with holidays to 'iconic destinations' at risk MORE: 'I was given a gun when I turned 12 — teachers said I'd be dead by 25' MORE: I uncovered my husband's dirty secret while he was in a coma
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Wales Online
The hidden paradise waterfalls made famous on Instagram where two people died
The hidden paradise waterfalls made famous on Instagram where two people died The attraction is a magnet for tourists and locals alike, with waters that are always crystal clear and a series of tumbling water, but this week it was the site of tragedy, underlining the difficulties around the high number of visitors to the area TikTokers increasingly refer to the cascades as the 'fairy pools' (Image: Ian Lilley ) In the summer, the mountain waters of Yr Wyddfa often appear enticing, even to those not undertaking a tough climb. The aqua blue waters and cascading waterfalls create an illusion of being somewhere far more exotic. Located just a brief walk from the A498, the Watkin Pools are a dream for Instagrammers seeking wild swimming photos without much effort. Until this week, their popularity was assumed and their use unchallenged. However, on Wednesday evening, tragedy struck when two women lost their lives in the pools. One woman was retrieved from the water, while the other was later rescued by emergency teams but sadly passed away despite resuscitation attempts. A police investigation is currently underway into the incident that has left Britain in shock and sorrow. You can read our report on the tragic event here. Mountain activities inherently carry some risk: on average, eight people lose their lives each year on Yr Wyddfa due to falls, trips and health conditions. However, fatalities involving the mountain's lakes, streams and pools are rare, reports North Wales Live. While the cause of this week's tragedy remains unconfirmed, it's important to remember that wild swimming – or even a quick dip – carries risks, particularly in icy mountain waters where rocks can be slippery and sharp. In light of this, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK has issued a special warning to Welsh residents and visitors to remain vigilant around water this summer. Article continues below New statistics have revealed that in 2024, the drowning rate in Wales was twice the UK national average. The year saw 18 accidental drownings, with an additional 19 water-related deaths still awaiting official cause determination. Interim charity director at RLSS UK, Matt Croxall, said: "The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water." The river's iconic slab bridge balances delicately on boulders having endured the worst of Eryri's winter storms (Image: Ian Lilley ) Following the Covid pandemic, the Watkin Pools near Yr Wyddfa experienced a surge in popularity. A comparison of parking figures from 2021 indicated a significant 64% increase at Pont Bethania car park in Nant Gwynant, relative to the pre-pandemic year of 2019. While some visitors were hikers tackling the challenging Watkin Path to the summit, Eryri National Park officials attribute much of the rise to "trending social media posts" showcasing the picturesque Watkin Pools. At that time, a travel website hailed it as "one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Snowdonia and maybe therefore in the whole of the UK." Since then, the praise for this location has only intensified. Guides tout the pools as a "perfect cool-down" for hikers ascending the mountain. Yet in practice many take the plunge more for the sake of soaking up the ambiance and capturing crucial snapshots than for the hike itself, then promptly retracing their steps downhill. It's considered amongst the top UK spots for inducing "Insta envy." The Watkin cascades were recently dubbed the UK's second prime "hidden waterfalls". Despite their prevalence on social media hinting they aren't quite so concealed, their popularity is understandable. Even on overcast days when they're not shimmering aqua blue, the waters retain their crystal clarity. At certain cascade points, visitors fancy themselves in "infinity pools", gazing from atop craggy ledges down to the splendid Nant Gwynant valley. Suspended from an overhead branch by a tree-lined pool, a makeshift rope swing invites adventure. Amongst two trees sits a flat rock functioning as an impromptu slide. Countless videos have been shared on TikTok, with the cascades increasingly referred to as "Snowdon's fairy pools". A traveller commented: "5-star turquoise waters – the kind of place that makes you feel like its summer on the darkest day. Crystal clear, ice cold, delicious. Children adore it." Lately, finding solitude at these pools has proven more of a challenge. Seasoned visitors suggest getting there early to dodge the throngs, as the falls become crowded post-noon. Especially on sun-filled days, it's not unusual for guests to find themselves sharing their slice of "paradise" with fellow revellers. Article continues below However, you don't need to take a dip to appreciate the waterfalls and their iconic slab bridge. Picnics in this area have grown increasingly popular, leading to noticeable wear on the surrounding ground. Over 600,000 people annually flock to Yr Wyddfa, though this week's double tragedy starkly demonstrates the risks such visits pose.
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
The exploding popularity of Watkin Pools beauty spot that claimed lives of two women
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info In summer the mountain water often looks inviting even for those not toiling up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The waters are aqua blue and a series of tumbling water adds to the illusion of being somewhere else altogether more exotic. Lying just a short hike from the A498, the Watkin Pools are perfect for Instagrammers wanting wild swimming photos without trying too hard. Until this week, their popularity was taken granted and their use unquestioned. On Wednesday evening, two woman died in the pools. One was dragged from the water, the other was pulled out later by rescue teams but died despite desperate attempts to revive her. A police investigation is underway into an incident that's shocked and saddened the whole of Britain. You can read our story on the tragedy here Any activity in the mountains carries a degree of inherent danger: on average eight people die each year on Yr Wyddfa, from a combination of falls, trips and health conditions. Few have fallen victim to the mountain's lakes, streams and pools. While the cause of this week's tragedy has yet to be confirmed, wild swimming – or just taking a quick plunge – is not without risk, especially in ice-cold mountain waters where rocks can be slippery and jagged. This week the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK issued a special warning to Welsh residents and visitors to stay vigilant when in, on or around, water this summer. It follows new figures showing that, in 2024, Wales had a drowning rate double the UK National average. During the year there were 18 accidental drownings and a further 19 involving water where the cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed. Matt Croxall, interim charity director at RLSS UK, said: 'The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Ian Lilley) The popularity of Yr Wyddfa's Watkin Pools exploded in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Analysis of parking data from 2021 showed a dramatic 64% rise in the use of the Pont Bethania car park in Nant Gwynant compared with the pre-Covid year of 2019. Some of these users will have been hikers ascending the Watkin Path, regarded as one of the toughest routes to the summit. But Eryri National Park officers believe much of the increase was due to 'trending social media posts' for the photogenic Watkin Pools. At the time, one travel website described it as 'one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Snowdonia and, maybe therefore, in the whole of the UK'. Since then, the superlatives have only become more gushing. Guides describe the pools as a 'perfect cool-down' for walkers trudging up the mountain. In reality, many of those taking a dip do it purely to luxuriate in the surroundings and grab all-important photos before heading straight back down. It's been rated one of the best places in the UK to inspire 'Insta envy'. (Image: Ian Lilley) Not so long ago the Watkin cascades were named the UK's second best 'hidden waterfalls'. Their ubiquity on social media suggests they are far from 'hidden' but it's easy to see why they are popular. 'Paradise found!' exclaimed one swimmer on YouTube. If not aqua blue on cloudy days, the waters are always crystal clear. In some cascade sections, users imagine themselves in 'infinity pools', peering out over rocky outcrops to beautiful views of the Nant Gwynant valley below. Dangling from a branch above a tree-lined pool is a makeshift rope swing. Between two others is a slab of rock that doubles as a slide. Hundreds of clips have been posted on TikTok where the cascades are increasingly being called 'Snowdon's fairy pools'. One visitor said: '5-star turquoise waters – the kind of place that makes you feel like its summer on the darkest day. Crystal clear, ice cold, delicious. Children adore it.' In recent years, solitude has become harder to find in the pools. Visitors advise it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds as the waterfalls get busy after lunch. More often than not on sunny days, users end up sharing their 'paradise' with others. However you don't have to get wet to enjoy the cascades and their iconic slab bridge. Picnics here have become ever more popular and the ground nearby increasingly worn. All visits to the mountains come with a health warning, as this week's double tragedy starkly illustrates. Yet each year more than 600,000 people still head to Yr Wyddfa for the life-affirming challenge and beauty that it offers. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
13-06-2025
- North Wales Live
The exploding popularity of Watkin Pools beauty spot that claimed lives of two women
In summer the mountain water often looks inviting even for those not toiling up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The waters are aqua blue and a series of tumbling water adds to the illusion of being somewhere else altogether more exotic. Lying just a short hike from the A498, the Watkin Pools are perfect for Instagrammers wanting wild swimming photos without trying too hard. Until this week, their popularity was taken granted and their use unquestioned. On Wednesday evening, two woman died in the pools. One was dragged from the water, the other was pulled out later by rescue teams but died despite desperate attempts to revive her. A police investigation is underway into an incident that's shocked and saddened the whole of Britain. You can read our story on the tragedy here Any activity in the mountains carries a degree of inherent danger: on average eight people die each year on Yr Wyddfa, from a combination of falls, trips and health conditions. Few have fallen victim to the mountain's lakes, streams and pools. While the cause of this week's tragedy has yet to be confirmed, wild swimming – or just taking a quick plunge – is not without risk, especially in ice-cold mountain waters where rocks can be slippery and jagged. This week the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK issued a special warning to Welsh residents and visitors to stay vigilant when in, on or around, water this summer. It follows new figures showing that, in 2024, Wales had a drowning rate double the UK National average. During the year there were 18 accidental drownings and a further 19 involving water where the cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed. Matt Croxall, interim charity director at RLSS UK, said: 'The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now The popularity of Yr Wyddfa's Watkin Pools exploded in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Analysis of parking data from 2021 showed a dramatic 64% rise in the use of the Pont Bethania car park in Nant Gwynant compared with the pre-Covid year of 2019. Some of these users will have been hikers ascending the Watkin Path, regarded as one of the toughest routes to the summit. But Eryri National Park officers believe much of the increase was due to 'trending social media posts' for the photogenic Watkin Pools. At the time, one travel website described it as 'one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Snowdonia and, maybe therefore, in the whole of the UK'. Since then, the superlatives have only become more gushing. Guides describe the pools as a 'perfect cool-down' for walkers trudging up the mountain. In reality, many of those taking a dip do it purely to luxuriate in the surroundings and grab all-important photos before heading straight back down. It's been rated one of the best places in the UK to inspire 'Insta envy'. Not so long ago the Watkin cascades were named the UK's second best 'hidden waterfalls'. Their ubiquity on social media suggests they are far from 'hidden' but it's easy to see why they are popular. 'Paradise found!' exclaimed one swimmer on YouTube. If not aqua blue on cloudy days, the waters are always crystal clear. In some cascade sections, users imagine themselves in 'infinity pools', peering out over rocky outcrops to beautiful views of the Nant Gwynant valley below. Dangling from a branch above a tree-lined pool is a makeshift rope swing. Between two others is a slab of rock that doubles as a slide. Hundreds of clips have been posted on TikTok where the cascades are increasingly being called 'Snowdon's fairy pools'. One visitor said: '5-star turquoise waters – the kind of place that makes you feel like its summer on the darkest day. Crystal clear, ice cold, delicious. Children adore it.' In recent years, solitude has become harder to find in the pools. Visitors advise it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds as the waterfalls get busy after lunch. More often than not on sunny days, users end up sharing their 'paradise' with others. However you don't have to get wet to enjoy the cascades and their iconic slab bridge. Picnics here have become ever more popular and the ground nearby increasingly worn. All visits to the mountains come with a health warning, as this week's double tragedy starkly illustrates. Yet each year more than 600,000 people still head to Yr Wyddfa for the life-affirming challenge and beauty that it offers.
