Family of Northamptonshire boy who drowned host water safety event in Wellingborough

The event took place at the Embankment in Wellingborough near to where Ronalds sadly drowned.

Friends. family and members of the public attended today's event with aim of raising awareness and accelerating action on drowning prevention.

Speaking about the event Ronalds father Thomas said: "We will not rest until things improve, especially here on the embankment.

"This will not be a one off event, we want this to happen every year on the 25th July for World Drowning Prevention Day."

"The safety equipment where Ronalds was swimming had been vandalised and not replaced, it just had a sign saying it had been damaged.

"It's a shambles, because I believe that 100% if there was proper safety equipment there on that day, our son would still be alive.

"We cannot bring back our son, but we will not let this day go to waste."

As well as Ronalds family and friends the fire service, local councillors and people from the local sports centre were on hand doing a number of demonstrations showing young children in particular how to use life saving equipment.

Also present was Beckie Ramsey a mother who lost her child back in 2011 and set up a charity called "Do it for Dylan" raising awareness about things such as cold water shock, and river safety.

• northamptonshire