A County Durham mum whose teenage son tragically drowned after jumping into a river, is urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of the water.
Fiona Gosling has spent more than a decade raising awareness of water safety in memory of her son Cameron Gosling who died after jumping from a rock into the River Wear in Bishop Auckland in July 2015.
The 14-year-old from Crook suffered cold water shock when he hit the freezing water - a condition which can affect your breathing and movement - and he sadly drowned.
To mark World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2026, Fiona is sharing her son’s story once again to highlight the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
“We waited seven hours before we got the knock to say they had found Cameron and from that point life changes instantly,” Fiona said.
“Organising the funeral of your kid is the worst thing you could ever imagine.
“So, if you are a parent or carer, please talk to your kids and educate them about water safety.
“It is really worth it.”
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) is urging people not to go into open water such as rivers and lakes and to follow the ‘Phone, Float, Throw’ advice if they see someone in difficulty.
Station Manager Gary Tough said: “The school summer holidays have now begun, so it is more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers of cold water shock.
“It can be so tempting to cool off in the water when it’s warm and sunny, but the reality is that it will still be extremely cold - even on the hottest of days.
“There are also dangers which you can't see from the surface such as strong currents and rocks.
“If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, float on your back.
“Tilt your head back and use your hands to help you stay afloat.
“When you are floating, call for help or try to steer with your arms towards shore.
“If you see someone in difficulty in the water, follow the ‘Phone, Float, Throw’ advice.
“Phone 999 and ask for the fire service.
“Explain where you are. If you are unsure of the location, look for landmarks or use the ‘What3Words’ app.
“Tell the person in the water to float on their back and throw them something that floats such as a throw bag, if nearby.
“Never enter the water to help someone as you may also get into difficulty.
“If you manage to get the person out of the water, remember, they will always need medical attention as they may have hypothermia or water in the lungs.”
Durham County Council will be offering free swimming for young people (18 and under) who live in County Durham, at its leisure centres, on World Drowning Prevention Day (Saturday, July 25).
Durham County Council is offering the free swims for under-18s at Chester-le-Street, Consett, Freeman's Quay, The Louisa Centre, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, Teesdale, Wolsingham and Woodhouse Close Leisure Centres.
A thrive card is required to get the free swim and these can be applied for at centres and online at: https://thriveleisure.co.uk/index.php/memberships/
PARTNER COMMENTS
David Gray, Chair of the County Durham Open Water Safety Group and Durham County Council’s Health and Safety Manager, said:
“We’ve had some gorgeous weather lately and if the forecasts are to be believed, that is set to continue.
“We hope everyone enjoys it.
“It’s just really important that people are aware of just how dangerous open water can be, if they are out and about; remember what happened to Cameron and the sense of loss that his family are still having to live with more than ten years on.
“The safest bet if you want to go for a swim is to head to our leisure centres and we hope young people will take advantage of the free sessions we are laying on this World Drowning Prevention Day, to help them build confidence in water and stay safe.”
Durham Constabulary’s Head of Neighbourhood Policing, Superintendent Dean Haythornthwaite, said: “As police officers we see firsthand the devastation that these tragedies have on our communities.
"We know young people can easily be drawn to the water, especially during the school holidays, but we would urge all young people, their parents and carers, to take note of this extremely important message and always remember to respect the water.”
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust also urged parents to speak to their children about the dangers around water.
Victoria Cooling, Consultant in Public Health at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As both a public health professional and a mum, I would urge parents and carers to talk to their children about the risks around water, whether they are at home, playing in the garden or out with friends during the summer holidays.
“Having open and honest conversations with children and young people about the dangers of water, including the risk of cold water shock, could help save lives.
“We all have a role to play in making sure our children understand how to stay safe around water and know what to do if they or someone else gets into difficulty.”
Caption: Mum Fiona Gosling and son Cameron Gosling.
