Grieving Parents Launch Joint Water Safety Campaign

Two parents, both having experienced the loss of a child due to drowning, have partnered with the goal of preventing further preventable fatalities. Neil Crook, whose 15-year-old son Alex died in Wigan in September, is collaborating with Beckie Ramsay, whose 13-year-old son Dylan passed away in Chorley in 2011. Their recent meeting took place at Scotman’s Flash, the location where Alex, unable to swim, drowned in deep water. Mr. Crook expressed a desire for an increase in schools offering swimming lessons to families facing financial constraints. Following Alex’s death on 7 September, Mr. Crook initiated his “Awareness for Alex” campaign, which focuses on the hazards of open water and aims to secure funding for warning signs and essential life-saving equipment. Ms. Ramsay, whose son Dylan drowned in Hill Top Quarry in Whittle-le-Woods in 2011, successfully campaigned for the inclusion of water safety in the national curriculum in 2023. She was also awarded a British Empire Medal for her efforts. She described the absence of signage or lighting at Scotman’s Flash as “a disgrace,” stating, “There were no signs and no lighting and the water is so enticing in summer months.” Mr. Crook recounted that Alex and his companions had been standing in the water up to their waists before proceeding into a section of the lake with a steep drop-off. He noted the absence of warning signs and life-saving equipment in the vicinity where Alex was recovered from the water. Mr Cook, 45, stated that he and his family aim to prevent other families from experiencing similar grief. He conveyed that “our world got turned upside down” by the death of Alex, who had recently been appointed a school prefect. He added, “We’re keeping busy with the start of our campaign.” He further explained, “We are focusing on that and determined to make it safer – not just at Scotsman’s Flash but at every place with open water.” He concluded by saying, “Scotsman’s Flash is our first port of call but we are not stopping there.” and “We don’t want any other family to go through what we will continue to go through.” Wigan Council indicated that it is examining additional safety measures for the location. A spokesperson commented, “Following the devastating incident at Scotman’s Flash, Wigan Council has been working closely with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and other partners through our water safety partnership to review further safety measures at the site.” The spokesperson continued, “The safety of the public is always our top priority and we are continuing to meet with Alex’s family as we explore all options to prevent similar tragedies in the future, whether through education or future improvements at the nature reserve.”