Parents host water safety event to honour Wellingborough teenager who drowned
Ronalds Abele's parents are calling for safety measures in an event to honour their 17 year old who drowned in May.
Last updated 25th Jul 2024
Today on World Drowning Prevention Day, Thurs 25th July, two Northamptonshire parents are hosting a Water Safety Event.
17 year old Ronalds Abele from Wellingborough, sadly drowned in the River Nene back in May whilst swimming with friends.
Despite being airlifted to hospital he couldn't be saved,
Ronalds Abele was swimming in the River Nene, where the safety equipment had been vandalised and not replaced.
His parents are hosting a Water Safety Day today (25th July) from 2pm on the embankment in Wellingborough, where the incident occurred to raise awareness and remember their son.
They are asking those attending to wear blue.
"He knew how to swim, but we lost him"
We spoke to Ronald's father Thomas Okyere has this message for people who are thinking about entering the water:
"When you go into the water and there isn't safety equipment there, don't just think you can swim, so you jump in. Ronald knew how to swim, but we lost him."
Thomas says they want to honour Ronalds memory, and are calling for safety equipment to be installed and better water safety knowledge.
Thomas says he knows of parents who've stopped letting their children in the water since Ronalds tragic death.
Drowning prevention experts says it's more important than ever that people learn about the dangers of going near open water.
June July and August are the deadliest months of the year for accidental drowning deaths.
56 per cent of child deaths in rivers, lakes reservoirs and seas occur during the summer.