A couple who tragically lost their 16-year-old son in a reservoir five years ago is now advocating for parental awareness regarding the dangers of open water. Simon and Gaynor Haycock have made it their mission to educate youth about water safety.
Sam Haycock, 16, lost his life while celebrating the end of term with friends at Ulley Reservoir in Rotherham on May 28, 2021. Despite his parents’ disbelief at his actions, he jumped from a bridge into the water and drowned.
Following their son’s tragic death, the Haycocks realized the prevalence of drowning incidents. They now actively visit schools and colleges, collaborate with fire brigades, and aim to prevent further tragedies by sharing their story.
Simon emphasizes the ripple effects of such incidents and urges young people to understand the risks associated with open water activities. He stresses that accidents in water are preventable and hopes to raise awareness to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
The family has established Sam’s Army’s Mission 1 Life and is working on a water safety video to reach a wider audience. Their goal is to educate thousands of individuals on the importance of water safety and the potential hazards present in open water environments.
Simon’s message to parents is crucial, highlighting the need for educating young people about water safety regardless of their swimming abilities. He emphasizes the hidden dangers in open water, such as debris and obstacles beneath the surface, that pose significant risks to swimmers.
Their efforts aim to prevent further tragedies and ensure that young people understand the importance of water safety to avoid finding themselves in dangerous situations.