Simon Haycock, whose 16-year-old son Sam drowned at a reservoir in South Yorkshire, has described the deaths as “absolutely gut-wrenching” and warned that open water can turn deadly even on hot days when people are tempted to cool off. Speaking as a water safety campaigner, Haycock said the loss of life was “totally unnecessary” and “totally preventable,” stressing that many tragedies happen when people go into reservoirs, lakes and other open water spots for fun.
Haycock said warm weather can create a false sense of safety because the water may look inviting, but the risks remain serious for everyone, regardless of swimming ability. He singled out “cold shock” as one of the biggest dangers, explaining that sudden immersion in cold water can overwhelm the body and quickly lead to panic or distress. He urged people not to assume they can manage the conditions simply because they can swim, saying the danger applies to all age groups and levels of experience.
The campaigner also warned that many open water locations do not have lifeguards or the kind of supervision people might expect at a swimming pool or staffed beach. Without that protection, he said, accidents can escalate rapidly. He urged the public to stay out of open water, especially during hot weather when the temptation to enter the water is strongest.
His comments reflect ongoing safety concerns around summer drownings, particularly among young people who may be drawn to reservoirs and other natural or industrial water sites to swim or cool down. Haycock’s message was direct and repeated: the risk is real, the danger is not limited to non-swimmers, and tragedy can happen quickly.
He said the loss of Sam and others has reinforced his determination to speak out about the hazards and encourage people to think twice before entering open water. The message, he said, is simple: avoid the water, stay safe, and do not mistake a hot day for safe conditions.
