Safety advocate shares story of losing his father to the sea in Hove
The son of a man who drowned trying to rescue his dog is urging people to stay safe around open water
Robbie Jones lost his father Gareth to drowning in January 2021.
He had been out walking the family’s dog Connie near Hove Lagoon.
His family reported him missing after he did not return from the walk, in bad weather.
A huge water-based search was launched immediately, with Shoreham and Newhaven RNLI lifeboats Coastguard Rescue Teams sent alongside Brighton RNLI lifeboat, coastguard and police helicopters, Sussex Police, Brighton Beach Office, and nearby vessels taking part.
Hundreds of volunteers supported emergency teams as they searched across the coastline in Brighton and Hove.
Connie, the family's brown cockapoo, was found dead on the beach in Brighton two days later on January 18.
The following morning, 69-year-old Gareth’s body was found at Tide Mills, near Newhaven.
The new campaign:
Now, to mark on the three-year anniversary of Gareth's death, members of the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) have teamed up with Gareth's son and water safety advocate Robbie Jones, to launch a powerful film about the devastating impact of the loss of his father to drowning.
The hope is that the tragic incident can help to educate people on the dangers of open water in bad weather and prevent anyone else suffering the same fate.
The video will be available on the #RespectTheWater website from Tuesday 16 January.
Robbie said:
“I lost my rock that night, at just 24-years-old I lost the guy I could talk to about anything and get crucial life advice. My dad was everything to me and to our family.
“Dads die, but they aren’t meant to drown. And not so young.
“I don’t want anyone else to ever have to go through that and if talking about it can help, then it is important I do it.
“It is my way of honouring him and making something positive out of the worst thing to happen.”