Snodland man river’s third tragedy
A SAFETY campaign by emer- gency services and river author- ities has been stepped up after a Snodlandman became the third drowning victim in just nine weeks. An inquest into the death of
Keith Brook(42), who fell into the River Medway atMaidstone on June 14, has been opened and adjourned. Kent Fire and Rescue Service will have an increased pres- ence at the town’s river festival on July 30, with Lark- field’s water safety unit pa- trolling the water. A KFRS spokesman said:
“The river festival is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate
some of our water rescue serv- ices and reiterate what danger- ous places waterways can be.” A former Clare Park School,
East Malling, pupil, Mr Brook was described as a “happy go lucky” character who lived with his brother Roland in Simpson Road, Snodland.
His 63-mum
Keith Brook’s river death was the third in nine weeks. Twelve-year-old Alex Chap- pell drowned on May 30 after falling from a rope swing at Tovil, and Cameron Sandell (14) died on April 17 when his canoe capsized in the weir at Teston Lock.
Pat Hobden, of Borough Green, said the family could not un- derstand why he did not try to swim out after falling in. She said he was a pretty good
swimmer, but may have been knocked unconscious. After being given news of the tragedy, the grandmother-of- seven and her family raced to
THE following measures are being taken to pre- vent further drownings: Maidstone Leisure Centre – Committing £5,000 to set up a special fund that will provide a two-month swimming course free of charge to more than 130 primary school children in the borough. As well as eight lessons, the fee in- cludes unlimited use of the centre’s pools during that time. Maidstone Leisure Trust is also aiming to get the £5,000 match-funded to offer the course to more young people. Kent Fire and Rescue Service – Visiting
Mother Pat Hobden – son may have been knocked unconscious.
Emergency staff at the scene near Sandling Road
the scene near Sandling Road and met emergency workers. Witnesses reported how Mr
Brook appeared to have been play fightingwith awoman, be- lieved to be his girlfriend, be- fore he fell into the water at around 1pm.
Joint efforts to prevent further deaths in River Medway
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 on July 30. 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 coun- cil is required to buy more than 100 new rings every year to replace those that cannot be recov- ered after people recklessly throw them into the river.
She jumped in after him but
was unable to pull him out. A lad also tried to save him. Mr Brook’s body was recov-
ered by emergency services at around 7pm.
Learning to stay
safe in water LIFE-saving swimming lessons for children form part of Larkfield Leisure Centre’s Get Safe 4 Sum- mer scheme. Youngsters aged seven to
14 can learn important swimming techniques in- cluding life saving, water survival skills and how to stay safe in open waters. The one-day course
costs £16 and participants must be able to tread water and swim 10m.
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