#GetWaterWise: Heartbroken family campaigns 2 years after son's death
We're asking people to #GetWaterWise as we share the story of William McNally, 13, who passed away in hospital after drowning in the River Gryfe
Last updated 19th Jun 2023
This Drowning Prevention Week, a heartbroken family from Renfrewshire is urging people to stay safe around water after marking the second anniversary of a teenager's death.
13-year-old William McNally died on June 5, 2021, after getting into difficulty at an area known as the Clay Pits in the River Gryfe, near Linwood, while playing.
William suffered irreparable injuries after being stuck underwater for a significant period of time, and sadly died in hospital.
This year. we're asking everyone to #GetWaterWise.
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'It's the devil in disguise'
His mother, Sharron Drennan, is campaigning for children and adults to learn more about the dangers of open-water swimming, in the hope no family will have to experience the same pain.
She said: "If the campaigning we're doing can save a life, then William's life is not in vain.
"It's what gives me the strength to carry on.
"It's a massive hole in our lives, it was totally unexpected.
"What we're trying to put across now are the dangers of water, and promote water safety for other families so they aren't standing here the same way we are.
"This water looks nice, it's very scenic. But to me personally, it's the devil incarnate, the devil in disguise, because kids and adults don't appreciate the dangers."
Calls for more education
William's aunts, Claire and Jayne Drennan have also been strong voices in what is now a lifelong campaign to improve awareness.
Their work with Renfrewshire Council and the Glasgow Humane Society has led to the installation of a water safety station, fitted with life-saving equipment in case of an emergency.
The stations are fitted with codes which allow for GPS technology if 999 crews are required
Jayne said: "There was nothing here after William's accident, and it's a very busy area.
"This signage is connected to a GPS system which can pinpoint the location.
"This area is quite remote, and the emergency services found it difficult to find it on the night of William's accident.
"This will make a huge difference if anyone gets into a similar situation."
However, Jayne feels more should be done within schools to highlight water safety.
She said: "I don't believe there's anything in the curriculum that says water safety should be a formal part of education.
"In my mind, I think even a 20 minute chat as part of a routine assembly to make young people aware could make a huge difference."
Equipment vandalised
Unfortunately, the equipment has been subjected to routine vandalism.
Sharron said: "This is a big issue for us, my whole family. I've been down and replaced equipment, and I know my family have had to replace it many times as well.
"It's a massive message that we're trying to get across, and it beggars belief why people are sabotaging life-saving equipment.
"It's pure unadulterated vandalism."
When asked what message the family had for vandals, Claire said: "Put yourself in our shoes.
"Put yourself in my sister's shoes, his mum's shoes, his sibling's shoes.
"It's mind-blowing that someone could do this", she added.
"You never think it's going to happen to you - until it does."
Safety resources
There are multiple sources of water safety information online as the whole of the UK marks Drowning Prevention Week - a national campaign to raise awareness.
According to research by Water Safety Scotland, on average 50 people across Scotland die each year due to accidental drowning.
The Scottish Government's main message is #RespectTheWater, offering the following advice:
Other resources are available from Water Safety Scotland here.