He put his own life at risk – mum’s tributes to Liam
Speaking after the hearing, Sarah Hall paid tribute to her son for his efforts to save the girls in the dinghy and said she was not surprised Liam had gone into the water in an effort to protect them.
“That is the type of lad he was,” she said. “I know he would have been trying to help. He was a joker – he cared about everybody.
“He put his own life at risk. He thought of the girls.”
Mrs Hall said she would like to see a greater emphasis on water safety in schools.
“My little girl is in Year 4 and she has been taught survival,” she said.
“She is only nine, but I have spoken to people who have been through comprehensive school and have not been taught anything.” She said she was still in close contact with Jack Hanratty, who had been Liam’s best friend.
“They were like two peas in a pod,” she said. “Everywhere they went, they went together.”
An RNLI spokeswoman said: “The RNLI’s national drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, is calling on the public to fight their instincts to thrash about or swim if they get into trouble in the water.
“Instead, float first, rest and recover until cold water shock passes. This allows time to catch your breath before trying to swim to safety or call for help.
“For anyone planning to go into the water, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
“If you see someone else in dangerinthewater,fightyour instinct to go in and try to rescue them yourself – call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”