Family of 16-year-old drowning victim unveils safety throwing line | News

Tyler Wilson drowned in the River Calder in Castleford last May

The family and friends of a 16-year-old drowning victim have paid tribute to him by unveiling a safety throw line in his memory in Castleford.

Tyler Wilson died last May after getting into trouble in the River Calder. He had gone there with his friends during the warm weather after school and was one of three young people who drowned in Yorkshire that day.

The money for the throwing line was partly raised by Sam’s Army Mission, a charity set up by Simon Haycock in memory of his son Sam who drowned in Rotherham’s Ulley Reservoir in 2021.

Simon told us that it is painful every time he hears of another young person drowning:

“Unfortunately, given the nature of the work we do now, I hear a lot about it. And every time it’s a stab in the heart. It just drives me more.

“With every event I think of the thousands of children I have represented in schools… How many listened? That’s the positive side you have to take.

“I know certain kids I’ve talked to. I’ve had feedback that it has made them change their minds and reconsider certain decisions, so it’s working.”

The West Yorkshire Fire Brigade was also present at the throwing line unveiling, including crew members who responded when Tyler drowned.

“Just don’t go in the water,” says station manager Jimmy Fitt.

“We now have so many tragic examples of young people who have gone into the water on nice warm days in the summer, but it is so cold that the cold water shock takes over the body so quickly.”

As we approach the summer months, Simon wants young people to understand the dangers:

“Especially in years like this year where the weather is bad, we get a heat wave and they think, ‘Hooray, we can get away, we can do things’… it’s just not worth it.

“There are other places you can go and other things you can do without endangering your life.

“This could happen to anyone. Sam’s favorite saying was ‘that won’t happen to me’.

“Well, it did. And it can happen to you too.”