Words by Smiley Team
One woman has vowed to try to educate young people about the dangers associated with water, so that thousands of lives can be saved.
When Christopher Turnbull tragically died at Cyfyng Falls near Capel Curig, Gwynedd, in August 2006, his mother Debbie launched River and Sea Sense (RASS) – an organisation which tries to educate youngsters about water safety.
According to recent statistics, every year the main age for drowning is between 14 and 17 years old – and the majority of those at risk are boys.
Alcohol plays a significant part, as does peer pressure – but in some cases the people who drown had no intention of going in the water. This is why better education is needed.
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Since losing her son, Debbie has educated more than 500,000 young people across North Wales, and the UK. "Last year 49 people drowned in the space of 14 days in July, as a result of more staycations due to Covid-19," she said.
“Telling my story from tragedy, to surviving and thriving helps others in many ways, and educates on water safety, too.”
Debbie started off visiting schools, and spoke at her son’s school Erias Park, in Colwyn Bay, a month after she lost Chris. “I wanted to show people what it was like to lose a son to this terrible tragedy, and how I felt so helpless," she said.
From this, the school raised more than £16,000, of which they bought a lifesaving raft and 6 dry rescue suits for the Ogwen Valley Rescue Team, who amongst 70 others searched for her son’s body. "The more I spoke at schools, the more money I raised," she said.
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"From the beginning I wanted to create a legacy which would leave a memorable impact on both young people and adults in making them more aware of their own and others safety," added Debbie.
RASS provides workshops, assemblies, presentations and public speaking at events and conferences – and since Christopher’s death there have been huge innovations regarding water safety and education. For example, the All Wales Drowning Prevention Strategy was developed and launched in December 2020.
SUPPORT: You can find out more about River and Sea sense, and support their work, on their website.
DONATE: CAPT is a charity that works to prevent accidents in children and young people. Support their work online.
