NEW throw lines and safety signs have been installed at a reservoir in memory of a teenager who drowned while swimming there.

The new safety equipment has been installed at Foulridge Reservoir to warn people of the dangers of entering the deep water after James Goodship drowned in June 2014.

The 17-year-old had been swimming with his friends.

The Canal and River Trust had teamed up with the fire service, along with James’ mum, Mel, to highlight the dangers of swimming in open water as part of Drown Prevention Week.

As well as the unveiling of the equipment, firefighters performed a rescue demonstration and school children were taught how to use throw lines to help save someone in distress.

Mel Goodship said: “James used to mess around in the water with his friends; he was a strong swimmer so we just thought he’d be fine.

“We had never sat our children down and explained the dangers of the water, I didn’t really know what they were myself.

“The shock of the cold water paralysed his muscles, took his energy and took his life.

“If you’re thinking about getting into any stretch of water which isn’t supervised, please don’t.”

The trust is asking people to use swimming pools, rather than reservoirs or lakes, which can too shallow to jump in and may contain waterway reeds which can trap people.

The trust said of the 400 drownings in the UK every year, more than half are at inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.

Daniel Greenhalgh, regional director at Canal and River Trust, said: “Spending time on or by places like Foulridge Reservoir is a lovely way to enjoy a summer’s day and they are excellent places for families to explore during the holidays.

“But it’s also important that people, especially children, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a swim.

“The consequences can be devastating. It’s heartbreaking what happened to James.

“We’ve been working with Mel and the region’s fire and rescue services for the past few years to improve signage and lifesaving equipment at known ‘hotspots’ to try to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in open water. We hope the information displayed will help deter people from swimming and, if the worst should happen, throw lines could stop another tragedy.”