On Tuesday 20 February 2018, local schools, organisations and individuals from across Hertfordshire came together at Lee Valley White Water Centre to launch The Robbie Lea Water Safety Partnership.
The partnership, launched in memory of teenager Robbie Lea who drowned as a result of cold water shock in May 2017, aims to educate children about the dangers of open water swimming.
Inspired by Robbie’s mum Sarah Lea’s drive to raise awareness, the campaign brings together organisations from across the county including: Lee Valley Regional Park Authority; Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue, Hertfordshire Police; Crucial Crew; RNLI; Hertfordshire Sports Partnership; Canal and River Trust; Cheshunt Football Club and Lee Valley White Water Centre.
On Thursday 25 May 2017, 16 year old Robbie Lea came into difficulties while trying to swim to an island in a lake in Lee Valley Regional Park. Despite efforts from Herts Fire and Rescue, paramedics and an air ambulance piloted by The Duke of Cambridge, Robbie was pronounced dead at the scene.
Robbie’s mum, Sarah Lea, commented: “I’m really proud of how the launch has gone today. I would like to thank all the partners involved who have been a great support in making this happen. Our aim is to raise money to host more events like this throughout the year and to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in open water unsupervised”.
The launch event was attended by 61 students from six local Broxbourne secondary schools and Hertfordshire Regional College who participated in a range of water based scenarios to learn about water safety, lifesaving and drowning prevention techniques.
The practical workshops led by Hertfordshire Police, Herts Fire & Rescue, RNLI, Lee Valley Youth and Schools Service and Lee Valley White Water Centre included a white water rescue demonstration, a talk on the hidden dangers of open water, advice on what to say when you call 999 and an interactive session on what to do if you go into cold water shock.