The tragic story of Haydn Griffiths has come to mild on World Drowning Prevention Day as a reminder of the risks of drowning, no matter one’s health stage.
Regardless of being a talented swimmer and sailor, the 23-year-old lifetime sailor tragically drowned within the very waters he beloved. His household has now joined a Royal Nationwide Lifeboat Establishment (RNLI) marketing campaign to lift consciousness and forestall related incidents in the course of the faculty summer season holidays.
“He was unbelievably match with lower than two % physique fats … Possibly that didn’t assist as a result of he had no fats to assist him float,” stated Haydn’s sister, Brogan. It was a day stuffed with anticipation as Haydn was only one examination away from changing into a fully-fledged service provider seaman when the unthinkable occurred. He and a buddy launched into a swim to an offshore wind farm, however midway again to shore, he encountered problem. Regardless of his expertise, Haydn’s life was claimed by the treacherous sea.
The RNLI, which saved a number of human lives in a whole bunch of seaside accidents in the UK final yr, requested everybody to be conscious of the risks of the water. Gareth Morrison, head of water security on the RNLI, stated, “Coronary heart-breaking tales like Haydn’s actually drive dwelling the message that the ocean is unpredictable, and tragedy actually can occur to anybody, even these with enormous expertise across the water like Haydn.”
Haydn’s sisters, Megan and Brogan, devastated by the lack of their brother, at the moment are fundraising for the RNLI to help the organisation’s life-saving efforts. “I by no means go an RNLI charity field with out placing one thing in as a result of the boys who work there – typically volunteers – are unbelievable human beings,” harassed Megan, illustrating the profound affect the RNLI’s work has on households affected by water-related accidents.
The World Drowning Prevention Day serves as a reminder of the necessity to put water security first, notably when the climate warms up and extra individuals go to the seaside. Final yr alone, the UK witnessed 226 unintentional drowning deaths, with July and August accounting for the very best quantity. As communities mourn their family members, the RNLI continues its tireless efforts to guard lives and unfold consciousness in regards to the sea’s unpredictable nature.