#GetWaterWise: Derbyshire mum's plea as she remembers son who drowned two years ago
It's as the summer school holidays begin in Derbyshire
Last updated 24th Jul 2023
A Derbyshire mum is urging all families to take up swimming lessons this summer - as the six week holidays begin in Derbyshire.
Nombulelo Ndlovu lost her 15-year-old son, Thandolwethu, otherwise known as Thando, two years ago.
Thando went to Swarkestone Bridge in Derby, before entering the River Trent. He got into difficulty in the water and drowned. His body was recovered the next day.
Nombulelo said: "Do not go to open rivers. That is my cry for any child. Parent's please be open, talk to your children.
"I lost my son. I never knew people swim in rivers in the UK. If I didn't know, there are many parents who don't know, and there are many children who probably don't know how dangerous it is to be in there.
Nombulelo has been campaigning since Thando's death in 2021. In May, she shared a video about water safety in schools across Derbyshire with the help of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service: "I'm not doing it because I want to show off or anything. I'm doing it to make you aware, to see the pain we are going through. Please, do not put your family through this. It is dangerous."
#GetWaterWise
We're raising awareness of the issue with our #GetWaterWise campaign.
It's highlighting the risks of swimming in open water, where unexpected currents, freezing cold water and even heavy machinery can lead to severe accidents and deaths.
Deaths are at their highest over the summer months, when people think its safe to cool off in lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea.