REDDITCH firefighters have been promoting water safety and drowning prevention following the first anniversary of teen Richard Fellows’ death.

The campaign is being run in conjunction with the Chief Fire Officers Association’s Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week.

The 15-year old died after swimming with friends in Paper Mill Weir in Arrow Valley Country Park on March 16 last year. During the incident, two other teenage boys were rescued and treated for minor injuries.

The 2.5 mile-wide country park has the 29-acre man-made Arrow Valley Lake at its centre, beside the course of the River Arrow.

Officers have been speaking residents and urging them to take extra care near open water and to avoid swimming in rivers, lakes, quarries and canals.

Station commander Phil Berry said: “Sadly, a young boy tragically lost his life in this area last year.

“We want to prevent incidents like this occurring and warn people of the dangers that open water can pose.

“With this in mind, and as part of CFOA Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week, the firefighters have been promoting water safety in the Arrow Valley area.

“It also gives the firefighters the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the area thus making it easier to respond if an incident should occur.”

Since the tragedy, Redditch Borough Council installed signs, fencing and personal rescue equipment at Paper Mill Weir and other high risk local authority maintained areas to reduce the risk of further incidents.

During the summer months, the service frequently sees a peak in water-related incidents.

For more information visit www.hwfire.org.uk