South Yorkshire's first lifesaving 'throwline' unveiled in Rotherham

A mum whose 13-year-old son drowned while swimming in a disused quarry has unveiled new life-saving equipment in Rotherham.

South Yorkshire’s first ever throwline station has been installed at Ulley Country Park.

It’s locked in a cabinet so it can't be vandalised like some life rings are, and offers a potential lifeline to the hundreds of people who visit the park every week.

The station’s been dedicated to Dylan Ramsay, who drowned whilst swimming in a Lancashire quarry six years ago.

His mum Beckie told Hallam it means a lot: “Dylan was so special and had so much to live for that I can’t allow for him to have died in vein. I need to ensure that his death wasn’t for nothing.

“This is one of the first safety pieces that’s been dedicated to Dylan, and to know that it’s the first one in South Yorkshire… it’s truly amazing to know that Dylan is leaving this legacy and people are learning from what happened.

“I was totally unaware of these dangers until after Dylan died, and that’s too late for anyone to be made aware of dangers.

“We hope it never ever has to be used, but in the case of an emergency it is here and can be accessed easily. Hopefully it will save people’s lives if it’s ever needed.

“I’ve paid the ultimate price and lost my son, and if one life can be saved out of what I do, every tear that I cry is worth it.”

Around 400 people needlessly drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer injuries, some life changing.

“This is a fantastic initiative and will go a long way to protect those who visit Ulley Country Park on a daily basis,” says Steve Helps, Area Manager at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

“This is a key part of our prevention work and I’m sure it will be the first of many throwline stations within South Yorkshire.”