#GetWaterWise: Glasgow dad warns against swimming in lochs and rivers
Duncan Spiers' son, Christopher, drowned in the River Clyde in 2016.
Last updated 24th Jun 2022
A Glasgow dad whose son drowned in the River Clyde is pleading with people to avoid swimming in lochs and rivers as the schools break up for the summer.
Twenty-eight year-old Christopher Spiers got into difficulty when coming back from a night out in 2016.
Speaking to Northsound 1 from the Squiggly Bridge where his son died, Duncan claims he still gets flashbacks to the night he passed away.
"If you are thinking about going for a dip or a swim in fresh deep open water then please don't.
"You don't know what the current could be like or what is underneath the water.
"My son was a good swimmer, but that doesn't make a difference in that dangerous environment."
Officers had difficulty throwing a life ring to Christopher on the night he died.
Ever since, Duncan and his wife Margaret have been campaigning to improve the life saving equipment at the side of lochs and rivers across Scotland.
He added: "I would like to see more lifebelts, more warning signs and throw bags installed at the side of waterways.
"I am so grateful to Glasgow City Council for installing ropes next to life rings at the side of the Clyde since my son's death.
"However, there is still lots that could be better."
People who jump into fresh deep open water outdoors can sometimes suffer from cold water shock.
It starts with an involuntary gasp for breath which can result in a gulp of water which can fill up the lungs.
Sheena Harper from the Royal Life Saving Society said: "You can lose control of your body and drown.
"If you see someone else in danger then I would advise you don't get into the water yourself.
"Stay at the side of the water and encourage them to come to the shore and get professional help quickly."
"My heart has been ripped into pieces"
Six years after Christopher's tragic death, Duncan claims he feels guilty he wasn't there that night to save his son.
"I am still waiting on him coming through the door as he would always have a smile on his face.
"We are still hurting really badly and it's hard to explain how it feels.
"You know there is a part of you that is not there anymore and my heart has been ripped into pieces."