The UK’s drowning prevention charity welcomed MP Karen Lumley to its Warwickshire headquarters during a special visit today (May 22nd).

The Redditch MP has been working with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), based in Broom, since the tragic drowning of 15-year-old Richard Fellows in March this year. The teenager lost his life after swimming in a pool that forms part of the River Arrow.

The charity, along with its local volunteers, the local authorities and Karen, has been actively working to raise the importance of water safety education and towards securing more safe recreational inland water sites. RLSS UK is also visiting all schools in the Redditch area to warn students of the dangers of open water.

RLSS UK’s Director of Lifesaving, Adrian Lole, said: “The work we have begun in the Redditch area following Richard Fellows’ tragic death has been received brilliantly so far and we appreciate all of the support we are getting from the local community, schools, council and Karen.

“It was great to welcome Karen and give her more of an insight into the work we do and we thank her for her input and help in championing our work.”

Karen added: “It was great to have the opportunity to visit RLSS UK’s headquarters today. The work carried out by the charity is so valuable, and the efforts that they have put in to educate our young people about water safety and the dangers present are admirable.

“All of Redditch’s residents were devastated by the loss of Richard Fellows, and we have enormous lessons to learn about water safety. I am pleased that Redditch is at the forefront of this initiative and look forward to adding my support to Drowning Prevention Week.”

The RLSS UK works tirelessly to promote drowning prevention messages and deliver water safety education nationally, as well as offering a range of awards and programmes that teach lifesaving skills to all ages. Next month will see the launch of its national campaign, Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from June 21st to 29th.