We don’t want other families to suffer - family of tragic Junior Slater launch Float to Live video
Several people have died recently in open water.
The family of tragic Junior Slater have set up a Float to Live campaign to help other families learn how to survive in open water if they get into difficulty.
Donna Slater lost her 12-year-old son Junior who tragically drowned while swimming in the River Ribble at Ribchester on Tuesday, May 26.
Lancashire Police said he got into difficulty while swimming with friends around 2pm. A huge emergency response was launched with fire crews, police and paramedics descending on the village, along with underwater search teams, who sadly recovered his body around 7.30pm.
Several young people have died in UK waters during the heatwave, as well as a man in his 60s and a woman in her 70s.
The most recent tragedy was 18-year-old Karl Holland who died after getting into difficulty in the water at Dovestone Reservoir in Saddleworth, Oldham, on the evening of Friday, July 10.
The tragedies have led to the RNLI issuing a warning about the risks of swimming in open water, which can lead to hyperventilation and a spike in heart rate and blood pressure as the body reacts to cold water.
Donna Slater and Sarah Greaves have joined forces to launch the Float to Live video to help others if they get into difficulty while swimming.
However some users have found that when trying to access the video, it directs to an Apple Pay link before you can view the video.
Sarah said: “If people are experiencing this do NOT click on the link. This is free to watch and we are not asking for money.
“If you experience this please let us know immediately.”
The post reads: “JUNIOR 12 RIVER ANGELS In loving memory of Junior, age 12.
“Me and Sarah are setting up a charity for Junior in order to save other lives. It’s with a heavy heart that we are having to do this, but we certainly don’t want other families to suffer like we are.
“We are working closely with Lancashire Fire Service to promote Float to Live. Float to Live: If you fall into water, tilt your head back, spread your arms and legs, and float until you can call for help or swim to safety.We have lots of great ideas and a few more meetings coming up with the Fire Service.”
She added: “We also have The Junior Challenge coming up very soon. We hope it will trend and spread awareness to children and adults, during this hot weather over the summer holidays.
“This poster will be emailed to schools for newsletters, put in local shops, and shared across social media. We will also be printing copies and asking Junior’s friends and parents, to help put them around rivers on trees.
“Please share. Please talk to your children about water safety.
“Let’s save lives together, for Junior.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said that they have met with the family to discuss water safety and the possibility of launching a campaign.