Two parents who lost their children in drowning accidents have teamed up to try to prevent more needless deaths.

Neil Crook, who lost his son Alex, 15, in Wigan in September, works with Beckie Ramsay, whose son Dylan, 13, died in Chorley in 2011.

They met recently in Scotman’s Flash, where Alex – who couldn’t swim – drowned in the deep waters.

Mr Crook said he wanted to see more schools offering swimming lessons to families who could not afford them.

Since Alex’s death on September 7, Mr Crook has launched his campaign to raise awareness for Alex of the dangers of open water and to raise funds for warning signs and life-saving equipment.

Ms Ramsay, who lost her son Dylan when he drowned in the Hill Top Quarry in Whittle-le-Woods in 2011, won her campaign to have water safety added to the national curriculum in 2023 and received a British Empire Medal in recognition of his work. .

She said it was “a shame” there was no signage or lighting at Scotman’s Flash.

“There were no signs or lights and the water is so inviting in the summer months.”

Mr Crook said Alex and his friends stood in waist-deep water, before heading towards a part of the lake which sloped steeply down.

He said there were no warning signs or rescue equipment in the area where Alex was pulled from the water.

Mr Cook, 45, said he and his family wanted to spare other families the heartache they had to endure.

He said “our world has been turned upside down” by the death of Alex, who had just been made a school prefect.

“We remain busy with the start of our campaign,” he said.

“We are focused on this and determined to make it safer, not just at Scotsman’s Flash, but anywhere there is open water.”

He said: “Scotsman’s Flash is our first port of call but we’re not stopping there.

“We don’t want another family to experience what we will continue to experience.”

“Prevent tragedies”

Wigan Council said it was investigating further security measures at the site.

A spokesperson said: “Following the devastating incident at Scotman’s Flash, Wigan Council has worked closely with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and other partners through our partnership Water Safety Review to review other safety measures at the site.

“The safety of the public is always our top priority and we continue to meet with Alex’s family as we explore all options to prevent similar tragedies in the future, whether through education or future improvements to the nature reserve.”

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