THE bereaved family of William McNally have issued a desperate warning on the second anniversary of his death for parents and schools to make sure children know the dangers of open water.
Their plea comes as they also begged people to stop removing vital life-saving equipment at the River Gryfe.
Thirteen-year-old William was swimming with friends at a section of the river known as the Clay Pitts, near Auchans Farm, on June 2, 2021, when he got into difficulties.
The Linwood High School pupil was pulled from the water and rushed to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children in critical condition but died three days later.
William’s aunt Jayne Drennan said: “The message from me and the wider family is these places are so dangerous.
“Sixty-two per cent of drowning in 2022 occurred inland, so places like rivers, reservoirs and dams.
“I don’t want anyone accessing these places despite how they look in warm weather. They are so dangerous.
“I think schools have a massive opportunity to get this message out there and warn of the hidden dangers and be aware of the heightened risk with the upcoming school holidays and warm weather.
“My message is do not swim in bodies of open water because in one second any family could be changed forever.”
William’s death has led to GPS signs being placed at potentially dangerous sites along the river, as well as life belts and throw ropes.
Water safety equipment has also been introduced at Abercorn Street Bridge and at Watermill Hotel, in Paisley.
Unfortunately, however, the equipment at the location where the tragedy occurred has been removed at least three times, including most recently at the end of last month.
William’s mum Sharron Drennan said: “The bits have been replaced now (by the Glasgow Humane Society) but my whole family is at the same conclusion - it's only a matter of time before it happens again.
“The council really need to step in as do the police, but we're fighting a losing battle, really, because there's no way to monitor this situation.
“It just beggars belief as to why these people are doing this. We don’t understand it.
“Please stop because they are there to save lives. They are not toys.”
William's dad William McNally described the situation as "soul-destroying".
The family have campaigned “endlessly” over the last two years to raise awareness of the dangers of open-water swimming.
Last June, William’s aunts, Jayne and Claire Drennan, paid tribute to him in a touching video that aimed to make all young people aware of the risks.
Recently Sharron has been in touch with councillor Robert Innes about further ways to do so.
Cllr Innes said: “William’s family have done a tremendous job in raising water safety awareness, as well as getting water safety equipment and life belts put in place and maintained at the clay pits in Linwood.
“I was really sad to hear that this equipment had been tampered with during the warm weather.
“I contacted officers at Renfrewshire Council and they have assured me that wardens will be patrolling the area more frequently during sunny spells.
“No doubt many of our young people will be heading for the river during this period of good weather we are experiencing.
“What is important is that they are aware of the dangers that open water can cause.
"Being aware of cold water shock, understanding the water depth, looking out for hidden obstructions and ledges in the water and also avoiding alcohol and drugs.
“Renfrewshire’s Partnership on Water Safety (PAWS) has been working closely with Water Safety Scotland and other relevant partners to continue to make Renfrewshire’s waterways as safe as possible.
“I was really pleased to see water safety highlighted as part of Renfrewshire Council’s Safe Kids event for primary 6’s from all over Renfrewshire.
“My hope is that our young people have a better understanding of the dangers in the water and take the correct actions to stay safe.”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson added: "It is incredibly important that the life-saving equipment placed around our waterways isn't damaged and is only removed in case of an emergency.
"Not having that equipment there when it is needed could be the difference in saving someone's life.
"Through our Water Safety Working Group, we have put measures in place to reduce the risks around our waterways, such as life-saving equipment, GPS signage and visiting schools – and mindless vandalism undermines this important work.
"Please respect the life-saving equipment and leave it in place."
Police Scotland confirmed that enquiries are ongoing into the matter following a report on June 2.
Chief Inspector William Graham said: “These devices save lives. Removing and damaging lifesaving equipment can have fatal consequences.
"If the equipment is not there when it is really needed the outcome can be very tragic.
“If you are involved in this behaviour, you will be prosecuted.
“We will continue to work with our partners towards enhancing water safety in our local area and we ask the public to report any vandalism or misuse of this equipment to us.”
To read the water safety code click here.
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