A grieving father whose son tragically passed away after drowning in a Manchester canal has now seen 'throw bags' installed along the river Tyne to save countless lives.

Charlie Pope, 19, of Ponteland, shockingly lost his life in Manchester after accidentally falling into a canal while on his way back to student halls after a night out in 2018.

His father Nick was “devastated” by the loss and has since supported the Be Water Aware campaign as  lifesaving throw-bags have been installed in Newcastle - so no family must live through the same heart-breaking experience.

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Five years later, 14 new throw-bags have now been bought by Newcastle City Council under the stewardship of TWFRS and the Royal Life Saving Society UK in a £10,500 investment. 

The Northern Echo: Charlie lost his life in 2018.Charlie lost his life in 2018. (Image: TYNE & WEAR RESCUE SERVICE)

Nick, who is now an advocate for water safety, said: “Everybody naturally thinks that they can come to no harm and that they will never end up in the water. You think to yourself, it only ever happens to other people and other families. We thought that, until it happened to our family.

“The one piece of advice I would give, is where you can, please avoid walking close to water on your way home. Choose another route. Even in Newcastle at the quayside on a night out, you don't need to be close to the water.”

He added: “If you do need to walk home near to the water, please make sure you are accompanied by someone just in case you get into difficulties.”

The Northern Echo: Nick holds one of the throw bags joined by TWFRS fire fighter Tommy Richardson.Nick holds one of the throw bags joined by TWFRS fire fighter Tommy Richardson. (Image: TYNE & WEAR RESCUE SERVICE)

 Throwlines and throwbags can now be found along the Tyne, from the Redheugh Bridge to the Ouseburn as training takes place for Quayside businesses to learn how to use the equipment.

Since throwlines have been installed, seven lives have been saved as the latest installation of throwbags promise to save many more.

Group Manager Steve Thomas, head of TWFRS’s prevention and education department, said: “The majority of times these are avoidable accidents where people have lost their footing and ended up in the water.

“These new throw-bags on the Newcastle quayside are a vital addition to the City’s water safety and drowning prevention armoury.

“I want to thank the city council for their investment, and I know that they have already started saving people’s lives which is amazing!”

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This latest effort comes as the Be Water Aware campaign by the National Fire Chiefs Council takes place from April 24-30, urging people to take care when near bodies of water.

The organisers of the campaign including Charlie’s father Nick will be at a free Be Water Aware event taking place on April 30 on the Quayside.

The event will take place from 11am to 3pm, advocating for water safety and drowning prevention.

For more information on the campaign and details on how to be safe on riversides, click here.