Angie backs calls for water safety debate

Blaydon MP Liz Twist and Prudhoe North County Councillor Angie Scott have called for a debate on water safety in the House of Commons.

Last year saw the tragic death of 13 year old Robert Hattersley from Crawcrook, who drowned in the River Tyne at Ovingham. His bereaved parents have launched a campaign to raise awareness among young people about water safety.

Angie, quoted in the Hexham Courant, has said:

As we approach summer, we know water, such as our section of the River Tyne, is irresistible for young people but there are hidden dangers.

I simply can’t imagine the sorrow of losing a child in this sort of accident. I want to pay tribute to Mr and Mrs Hattersley who set up a campaign on water safety after the tragic loss of their son Robert in July last year.

I would also like to thank the council officers who I have been working with on this important issue. They have put up warning signs and provided a lifebuoy for the area. I would also like to thank emergency teams who regularly hold training sessions at the riverside.

Families who have lost a precious child in this way campaign because they don’t want any other family to have to deal with this type of devastating tragedy. We must do everything we can to keep our children safe near water, especially as we approach the warm summer months.