Huge fire is tackled
THROW LINE INSTALLED ON DOUBLE TRAGEDY STRETCH
A BEREAVED dad has backed the installation of potentially lifesaving equipment on a treacherous stretch of the River Wear.
Ross Irwin had been on a night out after work and was last seen telling friends he was getting a taxi from Biddick Inn, Washington, to Sunderland.
But Ross, who worked at the Child Benefit Centre at Waterview Park, is believed to have lost his footing and fallen into the river.
His body was pulled from the water at Fatfield on Christmas Eve 2016.
Tragedy also struck on the same stretch of river in 2013, when schoolgirls Chloe Fowler, 14, and Tonibeth Purvis, 15, drowned after getting into trouble in the water.
Now, a potentially life-saving throw line board has been installed on the riverside opposite the Biddick Inn which is dedicated to Ross, who was 22.
His dad, Dave, has backed the installation of the device that has been funded by Sunderland City Council.
Dave, from Washington, a crew manager at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is very emotional for all of the family to see this throw line board in memory of Ross.
“He was so selfless and caring and was always first in the queue to help his family and friends if they needed help.
“Ross would not have wanted us to just sit back and do nothing about his tragedy. I’m sure he would be very proud of what we have achieved over the past 12 months in water safety.”
Unlike traditional buoys, the throw line is secured in a lockbox attached to the board which can be opened with a code available by dialling 999 and speaking to the police or fire service.
This means it should be less prone to theft and vandalism.
Dave added: “I owe a massive thank you to firefighter Tommy Richardson, who has been relentless in securing this board’s location.
“Tommy also raised funds alongside Beccy Ramsey, who lost her son to drowning, for this throw line board and was adamant he wanted the board to be located near to where Ross’ body was found.
“I also want to thank Councillor Tony Taylor, who managed to fund the throw line board through Washington East Community Chest, which means the funds raised by Tommy and Beccy can now go to erect another throw line board in a different location.
“Let’s hope this throw line board is the first of many to be erected in the Tyne and Wear area.” Coun John Kelly, portfolio holder for public health, wellness and culture, said water safety is a priority for the local authority and the city has had an active Water Safety partnership since 2015.
It works to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in open water with an annual water safety programme.
He added: “We’re delighted to be trialling this new piece of potentially life-saving equipment as an addition to the rescue equipment we already have along the riverside and coast to have the backing of Ross’ dad, Dave. “No parent should ever have to go through what he and his family have gone through and he’s shown tremendous courage in speaking out about this tragedy in order to help others.” Coun Taylor said he knew “only too well the tragic toll” the deaths of Ross, Tonibeth and Chloe had on their families, friends and the wider community. He added: “I’m really pleased to have been able to work with my fellow councillors, Fiona Miller and David Snowdon, to find the funding for this to go ahead.”
Ross would not have wanted us to sit back and do nothing ... I’m sure he would be proud
Dave Irwin