Eighteen families say 'enough is enough' as they demand an end to the drowning epidemic

Bereaved families of these eighteen victim's of the nation's drowning epidemic have written an open letter to the Prime Minister to say “enough is enough.”

They have joined forces after the latest tragedy in Shoreham-by-Sea , where a family of four died. A six-year-old girl died days after her 14-year-old sister and their mum and dad lost their lives.

It was at least the 56th drowning this year according to The Mirror ’s research. A massive 60 per cent (34 of those victims) were aged 18 and under. We launched our Save Lives for Sam campaign calling for action after a horrifying spate of drownings in May with 19 people losing their lives in just one week.

Now these bereaved families want Andy Burnham to meet them and appoint a Water Safety Minister to end this heartbreak. They wrote: “Dear Prime Minister, Anyone can drown. No one should. But our beloved family members did. We write to you from the heart, as families bereaved by the tragic drownings of our loved ones.

“There have been far too many drowning fatalities this year. Each new death is deeply distressing because we know the grief and heartbreak another family is suddenly facing.

“During just one week in May, 19 people lost their lives in accidental water-related incidents, including 13 children and young people. These tragedies continue happening all too frequently, and we fear that longer, hotter summers will place even more people at risk around our waters in future. Drowning is preventable…

“We are grateful for your support for the Daily Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam campaign , and for your recent recognition of the urgent need to improve water safety. Your words have given us hope, but they must now be followed by action…”

The letter was written by Vanessa Abbess for the bereaved families and has been signed by Simon Haycock, Rebecca Hinde, Nombulelo and Jabulani Ndlovu, Stephanie Williams, Kaddy Ceesay, Dan Pascoe, Robbie Jones, Debbie Turnbull MBE, Mick Scott and Zoe Graham, Michael Swift and Suzie Gough, Joanne Howlett, Megan Griffiths and Andrea Corrie BEM, Nicola Jenkins, Leanne Bartley, Melanie Goodship, and Ren Baldry .

Here they tell us why the PM should act now, as they explain the devastation caused to families across the UK by so many drownings.

Sam had been out on his bike with pals, celebrating his last day of school when they cycled seven miles to the beauty spot and jumped into a reservoir to cool off.

Since the tragedy his dad has been tirelessly visiting schools to warn other children. His dad told the Mirror: “Enough is Enough. I can’t stress enough how important this is to get Sam’s Law implemented and the five points we have been fighting for in place.

“This would go a long way in reassuring bereaved families that the Government is taking this seriously and are trying to protect the public from the dangers of open water. We have seen more than 50 deaths this year from drowning yet, it is as if it’s not a priority to the Government.