Firefighters and dad of tragic teen share heart-breaking video in water safety campaign

Simon Haycock’s 16-year-old son Sam died after jumping into deep water in May 2021 while the Oakwood Comprehensive pupil celebrated the last day of the school year with his friends.

Simon has campaigned ever since for life-saving measures and open water safety awareness under the banner of the charity he co-founded with wife Gaynor – Sam’s Army Mission.

His work sees him attending public events alongside SYFR crews and giving talks in schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces.

The latest water safety campaign, called 'Sam’s Story', centres around a short film following young actors playing Sam – who won medals competing for Miramar Judo Academy in Rawmarsh – with his friends on his last day and the events leading up to his tragic death.

'Sam's Story' – part of this week's national Drowning Prevention Week, led by the Royal Life Saving Society – was launched at an event at Sheffield College's City Campus attended by firefighters, Simon Haycock, Rotherham Cllr Jodi Ryalls – also a member of Sam's Army Mission – and college students.

Speaking at the event, Simon said: “I'd like to thank the fire service for using Sam's story as part of their prevention campaign because it is really important – if more people hear it, hopefully it will put them off putting themselves in that position.

“For my own mental health I needed to turn a massive negative into something positive and doing volunteer work with the fire brigade I find fulfilling.”

He highlighted the achievements of Sam's Army to date including the installation of 16 throw lines at open water sites across South Yorkshire and all police cars now carrying the life-saving kit.

“Sam's Story has resonated with a lot of people,” said Simon, of East Dene.

“Hopefully this video will catch people's attention, they will engage with it and it will help them to make better decisions.

“Our main aim today is to get the message out there far and wide and reach as many people as possible.

“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to outlive their children.

“I want to make sure that no other families have to go through what we went through.”

Ade Parkin, group manager at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Sam’s story is incredibly tragic and shows just what can happen if you don’t treat water with respect.

“Water in lakes and reservoirs is often much colder than you think – even on hot days.

“It can cause your body to go into cold water shock, leaving you helpless in seconds.

“There can also be hidden currents that can overpower even strong swimmers.”

He added: “Our ask is to share this video with any young people you know so that we don’t lose any more young people in the water.”

Fire crews are also running educational activities at Ulley Reservoir with schoolchildren from across the county as part of the campaign.

View Sam's Story via SYFR's YouTube and social media channels and website.