The father of a teenage boy who drowned last year urged parents to speak to their children about open swimming in a press statement released in time for World Drowning Prevention Day. 

On 18 July 2022, 14-year-old Brian Sasu drowned while swimming at the popular spot on Tagg's Island in Richmond on one of the hottest days of the year. 

After jumping from the bridge into the water, Brian went missing. After an extensive search and rescue mission, Brian drowned, and his body was discovered the next day.

Brian's father, George, said in a press statement released today: "I want to tell parents to talk to their children about the dangers of open waters so that what happened to Brian won't happen to their own children. If they're spending time near the riverside with the warmer weather, please tell them not to jump in because it's so dangerous."

The statement comes on the same day as London Fire Brigade (LFB) and other emergency services met at Teddington Lock on to discuss water safety on World Drowning Prevention Day, 25 July. 

World Drowning Prevention Day is an international campaign run by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Attending the pop-up event was the Metropolitan Police, the Environment Agency and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The public were encouraged and educated how to use rescue equipment, and officials advised how to keep safe in the water. 

Adam Barnett, operational lead for water rescue of the LFB, said: "We want people to enjoy the water but be respectful."

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An estimated 236,000 people died from drowning in 2019. The number of deaths has been increasing steadily in the UK each year, with 277 people drowned in 2021. 

There is no single agency that is responsible for rescuing people in the river. However, Barnett said the LFB has the capabilities to help rescue individuals and has a water rescue policy.

Giving his top tips for water safety, Mr. Barnett said: "Don't jump off bridges. You don't know what is at the bottom, what the temperature is or what the current is like.

"If you see someone in the water, can you speak to them? Can you physically reach them? Can you offer them a broom handle or something to grab onto? Then, call 999.

"If you find yourself in the water, swim safe and stay seen."

Mr. Barnett said he enjoyed wild water swimming. He advised people that there are plenty of reservoirs and lakes which are risk-assessed and great places to swim, but people need to recognise the dangers. 

He said: "We want people to enjoy the water but be respectful."

The LFB performed a drone demonstration which uses thermal imaging to quickly assess the location of someone struggling in the water and help them. 

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RFB member demonstrating a drone for water rescue. (Photo: Emily Dalton)

Russel Robson, Waterways team leader for the Environment Agency, said: "Anybody can drown but nobody should."

Comparing wild swimming to pools, Robson urged it is not as easy of quick for the lifeboat to come as a lifeguard.

Throwbags are available at various points along the River Thames. To use it, the public are advised to call 999 and site the location (e.g. LDN15), then the operator will give you the code to open the box to help the individual. 

Throwbags are positioned alongside the River Thames. (Photo: Emily Dalton)

Robson advised: "Buy a throwbag- they're only £20- and learn how to use it. They would be great for dog walkers going by the river."

RFB members demonstrated in the water how to use the throwbags to save someone's life. Back on the banks of the lock, others grabbed passers-by and encouraged them to practice throwing the throwbags on the ground and pulling them back. 

"We don't want to spoil people's fun but there's not fun in all [the emergency services] here in dealing with dead bodies," Robson said. 

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There is no single agency that is responsible for rescuing people in the river. However, Barnett said the LFB has the capabilities to help rescue individuals and has a water rescue policy.

Marc Wolff, a volunteer for RNLI, said if someone does find themselves in difficulty in the water they should follow the 'Float to Live' method. 

He said: "Firstly tilt your head back and submerge your ears, relax and try to breath, then move your hands in little circles to stay afloat, and spread your arms and legs wide for stability."

Wolff started with the group when he retired as he wanted to give something back to the community. He recounts a time he was sailing back from the Azures to Cornwall and his boat lost electricity. Him and his crew phoned the lifeguards to warn them they had no lights. 

"The lifeboat came out and got us and we were sat in the pub within ten minutes," Wolff said. "So, volunteering is a kind of thank you." 

More information on how to stay safe when spending time around water can be found on the Brigade's website or the RNLI.