THE mother of a schoolboy who died after jumping into a river says the latest UK drowning statistics have made her even more determined to warn others of the dangers.

Yesterday the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) revealed that 321 people lost their lives by accidental drowning in the UK last year - including 12 in the North-East and 23 in Yorkshire and Humberside.

The total also includes 30 people who died of suspected natural causes while or after being in the water - of which Cameron Gosling, from Crook, County Durham, was one.

A strong swimmer, the 14-year-old jumped straight into the water while playing with his friends in the River Wear at Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, last July.

However, his body was unable to acclimatise and he tragically died from cold water shock.

His mother, Fiona Gosling, has been working alongside the emergency services and Durham County Council to raise awareness of the perils of cold water.

As part of the Dying to be Cool campaign, she has shared Cameron’s story and educated children about cold water shock at special assemblies in schools across the county.

She said the statistics had strengthened her resolved to keep going, adding: “I’m still getting my head around the figures. I know it happens but it’s scary to see it written down like that. It makes me want to dig my heels in even more and push that bit harder to get the message out there.”

The statistics show the majority of those who died did not intend to be in the water, with 82 drowning while walking or running. The largest number of deaths occurred at the coast or beach (95) and in rivers (86).

Water safety has been a priority for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s community safety team for many years. As well as supporting initiatives like Dying to be Cool, firefighters highlight the dangers during the Service’s Children’s Safety Carousel, which is delivered to 7,000 year six children throughout the year.

Andrew Allison, community safety manager, said the team also strove to educate adults and those who may not consider themselves to be at risk.

“The statistics show most of the people who died didn’t mean to be in the water,” he said. “That’s why it’s important that walkers, runners, cyclists and anyone else who passes near rivers and open water are made aware of the dangers.”

Councillor Joy Allen, the county council’s portfolio holder for safer communities, added: “These statistics are not just numbers, each one represents someone’s loved one. Cameron’s story has really struck a chord with the young people and they have been passing it on to their parents too.”

To find out more, visit durham.gov.uk/dyingtobecool