Water safety campaign follows Medway deaths


A MULTI-agency water safety campaign has been set up following the deaths of two youths in the River Medway. Astor of Hever pupil Alex Chappell (12), from


Maidstone, fell into the water and drowned after he had been playing with friends on a rope swing over the river at a park near The Stampers in Tovil. A month earlier, Cameron Sandell (14), from Hunton, died when his canoe capsized into the weir near Teston Lock. Days after the campaign launch, a third male,


Keith James Brook (42), of Snodland, was recov- ered dead nearly seven hours after he fell into the water near Sandling Road, Maidstone. The campaign aims to educate youngsters lured


Alex Chappell, who drowned after playing on a rope swing over the river.


Be a golfing hero THE Cobtree Manor Park course is hosting its third Help for Heroes golf day on Thursday, July 28. The competition, sup- ported by the local 36 Regi- ment Royal Engineers, will be a team Stableford format. It will cost £35 for non- members and £21 for mem- bers and season ticket holders. Entry forms are available on 01622 753276.


into playing in water during the warm summer months. The following measures are being taken:  Maidstone Leisure Centre – Committing £5,000 to set up a special fund that will provide a


THE heartbroken family of Alex Chappell paid tribute to his tragically short life. His mother Gina Tweddell


and father Adam Ottaway said: “We will always remember the joy, the fun, the cheekiness and the stubbornness you gave us. “We are proud to have you as


a son and we will always love you.Words can’t explain the emotion and loss we feel. Stay safe our brave boy, we will be with you very soon. “You will always be in our


hearts and our hearts will al- ways be with you.”


two-month swimming course free of charge to more than 130 primary school children in the bor- ough. As well as eight lessons, the fee includes unlimited use of the centre’s pools during that time. Maidstone Leisure Trust is also aiming toi get the £5,000 match-funded to offer the course to more young people.  Kent Fire and Rescue Service – Visiting schools, Scout groups and other youth groups be- fore the summer holidays to give advice on stay- ing safe. Fire crews will provide safety advice at Maidstone River Festival in July.  KCC – Encouraging local head teachers to


warn children of the risks of playing in water.  Maidstone Council – Promising to regularly


maintain lifebelt rings along the river. The council is required to buy more than 100 new rings every year to replace those that cannot be recovered after people recklessly throw them into the river.


Tributes to


‘cheeky’ Alex


Alex had a passion for mak-


ing things and had been work- ing on stripping a BMX with his granddad before he died. He was close to grandparents


Phil and Angela Tweddell, who said: “Alex often came to stay at weekends and during the school holidays, enjoying the freedom of playing in the


woods, kicking the football around and throwing toys for our dogWoody. “His last day with us he was helping his nanny try to find out what was nibbling the car- rots that she had to feed to the guinea pigs, then he went to the shed where he started strip- ping his BMX ready for a re- spray, and there it still is.” Heartfelt comments were


also made by cousin James Tweddell; uncle Tom and aun- tie Michelle Twedell; uncle Simon Ottaway and auntie Vanessa Tweddell.


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