‘Teach children dangers of open water’ – family

THE family of teenager Paul Lawson have called for schoolchildren to be taught about water safety.

In a statement released after the inquest Paul’s family called on the authorities to do more to educate children about the dangers of swimming in open water.

And said they were ‘begging’ owners United Utilities to put life-saving equipment in place at Greenbooth.

Paul’s auntie Janine Rez said they wanted ‘lessons to be learnt to help prevent future tragedies from happening to other families.’

She added: “Our family has been completely devastated by Paul’s tragic accident, especially my sister Natalie and niece Charlotte.

“I am calling upon Rochdale council to make positive changes with schools and their curriculum.

“Talks, videos and slideshows from fire and rescue services and school representatives would help greatly and give children the vital support and information about water safety, the effects of water to the body and how to be safe when near water.

“I know Paul would want better safety at Greenbooth reservoir and know he is with us somewhere up there supporting this.

“I am calling upon Rochdale council and United Utilities to please, we are not asking, we are begging of you to consider installing an emergency throw line board with a locked combination.

“We feel as a family that if there was some means of life-saving equipment Paul’s outcome could have been different.

“Let’s make a lasting legacy for Paul and make these important changes for him.”

A spokesperson for United utilities said: “This tragic event serves as a reminder of the very real dangers of swimming in reservoirs and our message is very simple, don’t take the risk, keep out of the water.

“We own 180 reservoirs across the region, set in the natural environment.

“We don’t want to give any impression people are safe to take a plunge.

“Every year we run a safety awareness campaign highlighting the risks and making it clear a reservoir is no place for a swim. We don’t want anyone, even those who think they are a strong swimmer to enter the water.”

A spokeswoman for Rochdale council said: “A lot of our schools already promote safety messages prior to school holidays.

“We will certainly raise awareness with schools, following this inquest, and ask them if they can specifically include messages about the danger of water.

“We also link in to the Safe4Summer campaign before school holidays which covers this topic.”