Richmond Council, Teddington Lifeboat Water Safety Team and London Fire Brigade will be hosting a pop-up event tonight at Teddington Lock to discuss water safety as the World Health Organisation marks World Drowning Prevention Day.

The safety event is aimed to provide a stark warning of the dangers swimming in the Thames entails, a week on from the tragic passing of Brian Sasu, the 14-year-old boy who drowned after getting into difficulty in the water at Taggs Island, Hampton.

This evening's event will run from 4pm – 7pm particularly aimed at younger people who see the Teddington Lock area as a popular location during the summer months.

Teddington Lock and its two footbridges are used by children and young people from Richmond and neighbouring boroughs like Kingston upon Thames and Hounslow as a means of cooling down in the hot weather, who often look to jump into the river.

The Teddington Lifeboat Station crew will be on hand to talk about cold water shock and how to 'Float to Live'. There will be opportunities to take part in activities including how to use a Throw Bag to rescue 'Drowning Derek'.

The Teddington RNLI crew will be joined by London Fire Brigade, along with one of their fire engines, and the Council's Community Safety Team and Achieving for Children's Project X team who will also be on hand to speak to young people.

Brian Sasu tragically drowned after getting into difficulty in the Thames at Taggs Island, Hampton, last week (Monday 18 July).

The water safety event is welcome to all, particularly parents, guardians and teachers who have critical roles in making sure young people and children are fully aware of the dangers of swimming and jumping, not just in the Teddington Lock area, but in any open water.

Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Teddington Lifeboat Station said: "At Teddington RNLI we are incredibly sad that we couldn't help save the life of 14-year-old Brian Sasu at Hampton. Every year young people drown in the Thames unnecessarily including good swimmers.

"This river is dangerous and, as we have tragically seen, it can kill. It is full of debris, there is fast moving river traffic and strong currents. There is also a risk of cold-water shock, as parts of the Thames remain very cool even in this hot weather. Here at Teddington RNLI we have some useful suggestions on how young people can use the river safely. 

"We hope on World Drowning Prevention Day we can get some of these messages across to the young people who frequent this area, to make sure they know what to do if they or anyone else gets into trouble in the water." 

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council added: "At the same time as Brian tragically lost his life, hundreds of people were visiting Teddington Lock – a hotspot area for reckless behaviour on summer days. We know the water is appealing but it's just not worth the risk.

"We have over 20 miles of Thames riverbank in this borough alone. Local authorities and the emergency services cannot be in all places at all times to disperse gatherings and keep swimmers out of the water.

"Equally, we know that parents cannot have eyes on their children at all times, so education about the dangers of the river is the most important thing.

"I would urge parents and anyone else who can, to come along on Monday and get the information you need to keep your children safe and help spread the word, so we can prevent another tragedy."