The grandfather of a teenager who died while swimming in the sea last month has said more needs to be done to stop similar tragedies from happening.
Anthony Bell, from Blackhall near Peterlee in County Durham, believes water safety should be taught in schools, and youngsters should be told of the dangers in no uncertain terms.
Anthony’s grandson, Matthew Sherrington, tragically lost his life while playing with friends in Hartlepool on July 15. It was the last time he was seen until July 22, when his body was found at Steetley Pier.
Read more:Grandad and granddaughter saved from drowning in River Wear near Sunderland’s National Glass Centre
Now Anthony is determined to save more families from devastation.
He said: “It has been horrific. I’ve been waiting to take him to his first football game as I’m a Sunderland fan.
“Nothing will bring Matthew back, but I just want to get the word out there, that’s all I want. Something has to be done. I just want the awareness out.
“It is a lovely beach, but there’s lots of beaches in this area that don’t have any life buoys or…
