A LEADING charity that deals with preventing water deaths has said a safety throw line is vital on the River Severn in response to the death of Tom Jones.

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) are working closely with the family of the former Worcester University student, who drowned on the river last year.

RLSS UK’s spokesman, Aaron Dhanda, said: "What happened to Tom was tragic.

"Tom's parents are fund raising to provide a throw line on the Severn to help others in need."

The RLSS are working closely with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&&WFRS) to launch a qualification on the use of a throw line for members of the public.

RLSS UK’s qualifications manager Nick Grazier said: “The throw line is a valuable lifesaving piece of equipment that is easy for anyone to use and you can see them popping up at waterside locations, across the UK.

“The training award about how to use one, should be ready for launch later this year.

“As the weather gets better, chances are we won’t be the only ones finding ourselves in the water but after the sad loss of Thomas Jones last year, it’s important to remember how dangerous the water can be.

“Please be each other’s lifesavers this summer, at home or abroad; swim where there’s a lifeguard, tell someone where you are, don’t drink and drown, and know what to do in an emergency.

“These simple tips should help everyone enjoy the water safely this year.

“People vandalise many of the life rings currently on the rivers and this line will be attached securely to a board with instructions to anyone that has not received training.

“It will prevent the rescuer being dragged in - a firm base will allow the person in difficulty to be pulled safety to shore where they can then receive medical help, " Mr Dhanda added.

The Severn is very deep in parts, and the fast flowing current and cold temperature make i very dangerous.

A training session took part on Thursday May 16 near to the Worcester Rowing Club, involving RLSS and H&WFRS to provide training photographs as part of the future qualification.

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