After the life support of eight-year-old Josh Hillstead was turned off, his mother kept her hand on his heart until it ceased beating. Tragically, just one hour and 44 minutes shy of his ninth birthday, Josh, described as “awesome,” lost his life after going for a paddle in the River Arrow during a dog walk in Alcester on a summer evening. His brave sister, Caitlyn-Ann, who was 10 at the time, attempted to rescue him, risking her own life by jumping into the water.
Despite her efforts, Josh slipped from Caitlyn-Ann’s grasp as they struggled to return to the riverbank together. Since the heartbreaking incident, Becky Hinde, aged 41, has been advocating to prevent other families from enduring similar unimaginable pain. She has recently joined the Mirror’s ‘Save Lives for Sam’ campaign, expressing concerns about potential fatalities during the ongoing heatwave.
The issue of drowning in the UK has escalated to an “epidemic” and a “national emergency,” prompting various organizations, including the RNLI and Royal Life Saving Society UK, to collaborate with the Mirror in urging the Government to take immediate action. Becky emphasized the importance of water safety, stating, “Water doesn’t discriminate; it can be perilous regardless of your size or strength.”
Recalling the tragic incident, Becky received a call from Josh’s father, Carl, informing her of the devastating news. The family had been out for a walk by the river, where Josh, under his father’s guidance, had been learning to swim. Despite the valiant efforts of several individuals, including a brave policeman who dived into the river to assist, Josh’s condition worsened. He was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where despite the medical team’s efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Becky made the heart-wrenching decision to let Josh go, holding his hand as his heart stopped beating. The family was provided with keepsake boxes to capture handprints and footprints, and Becky struggled to return home, facing reminders of Josh everywhere. She reminisced about Josh’s loving and vibrant personality, expressing pride in being his mother and emphasizing the need for increased water safety awareness.
Acknowledging the ongoing support from the community and the touching gestures made in Josh’s memory, Becky hopes that sharing Josh’s story will raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies. She highlighted the importance of water safety education and vigilance, emphasizing that drowning incidents can happen to anyone, regardless of age or swimming ability.
The Mirror has initiated the ‘Save Lives For Sam’ water safety campaign, backed by various stakeholders and aimed at addressing the rising drowning incidents in the UK. The campaign advocates for compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness drive, improved lifesaving equipment at high-risk water bodies, the implementation of Sam’s Law, and the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Water Safety to enhance water safety measures.
By sharing Josh’s story and supporting initiatives like the ‘Save Lives For Sam’ campaign, Becky aims to prevent other families from experiencing the profound grief and loss they endured. She highlighted the importance of staying vigilant around water bodies and emphasized the need for collective efforts to create safer environments for all.