Dad of tragic Scot who died in River Clyde after night out speaks as 800 lifebelts vandalised

Dad of Scottish Man Who Drowned in River Clyde Urges Caution as 800 Lifebelts Vandalised

The family of a man who tragically drowned in the River Clyde is cautioning people to be careful near the water, especially during the festive period, after it was revealed that 800 lifebelts were vandalised and thrown into the river this year. Christopher Spiers, aged 28, drowned in the River Clyde in 2016 after slipping and falling into the water following a night out in Glasgow. His parents, Duncan and Margaret, started a safety campaign to install lifebelts with ropes attached to aid retrieval if thrown unsuccessfully.

“We should be looking forward to Christmas with Christopher, instead we’ve been grieving for him and mourning for nearly a decade. My message to anyone who is going out over the festive period is to please be careful if they are anywhere near the water. We wouldn’t wish what happened to us to happen to anyone,” said Christopher’s parents. The Glasgow Humane Society (GHS), the world’s oldest lifesaving charity, issued a warning that removing lifebelts along the riverside could lead to fatal consequences for anyone in distress in the water.

Duncan Evans, chairman of the GHS, emphasised, “Christmas is the time of year when everyone should be celebrating and enjoying themselves. The city’s rivers are fantastic to look at and a huge part of the city’s history and culture. But if anyone enters the water, especially after a few drinks, then the sudden cold can shock them into not being able to move, usually with tragic consequences. If a passer-by sees someone in the water and looks around for a lifebelt to throw to them, only to find a vandal has removed it, then that could have a fatal outcome.”

In this plea for water safety, the importance of maintaining lifesaving equipment along river banks is emphasised as a critical step in preventing avoidable tragedies.

Insights:
Water safety is a critical issue that requires the cooperation of the community to ensure that preventative measures are in place to avoid tragic incidents like drownings. The vandalism of life-saving equipment is not only a reckless act but also endangers lives. The plea from Christopher Spiers’ family and the Glasgow Humane Society serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold safety measures for the well-being of all.

Summary:
The heartbreaking story of Christopher Spiers’ drowning in the River Clyde serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety measures, especially during festive seasons when the risk of accidents may be higher. The appeal from his family and the Glasgow Humane Society underscores the critical need to protect and maintain lifebelts along river banks to prevent further tragedies due to reckless acts of vandalism. It is a call for vigilance and community support in ensuring the safety of individuals near water bodies.