New life-saving equipment to be installed by the River Arrow in Alcester
NEW life-saving equipment is to be installed by the River Arrow in Alcester following the tragic death of eight-year-old Joshua Hillstead.
The youngster sadly drowned after he fell into the river behind Kingfisher Way on 22nd July.
One of the first rescuers to attend was Matt Turvey, crew commander at Alcester Fire Station, who has taken the lead to get four riverside life-saving kits installed.
Matt told the Herald: “It was a tragedy and that’s why it’s so vital we get emergency throw bags in place as soon as possible.
“I’ve since walked the route with the [Alcester] town clerk and we’ve identified four locations where riverside emergency boards with safety equipment should be installed so we can save lives in the future.”
Matt was in charge of the first engine that arrived at the scene after emergency calls were made at about 9.30pm. The police were already in attendance with an ambulance en route along with the air ambulance.
Joshua, from Maypole, Birmingham, was pulled from the river before receiving first aid, CPR and being taken to hospital, but he sadly died the following day.
Another child was also in the water but did not require further treatment.
Matt has recommended the four locations for the safety devices: Jubilee Fields (two), the nature reserve and Abbey Fields.
They are understood to be emergency throwlines which are attached to boards on the riverside. People using them call 999 in an emergency to receive a code that unlocks a secure case containing a throwline and thermal blanket.
The devices are understood to be financed by Stratford District Council, Warwickshire Police, Alcester Rotary and
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Round Table and Church Street Property Trust.
Matt added: “No date for installation of the units has been set so far as arrangements are still being made.”
Cllr Mike Bowe, mayor of Alcester, told the Herald: “We would like to thank Alcester Fire Station crew commander Matthew Turvey for his efforts in securing funding for the four new water safety devices to be located in Alcester.
“We are very pleased to have been able to help with such an important project.”
Following the accident, Joshua’s stepmother Emma Hillstead said the dangers of the River Arrow needed to be highlighted.
Both Josh’s sister and stepmother also entered the river on that night but were able to get out.
While the Arrow is shallow in many areas through Alcester, other parts are deeper and there can be unseen dangers under the water.
In a social media post, Mrs Hillstead said: “My absolute mission on Josh’s behalf is to get something to highlight the dangers of the depth of that part of the river.
“Both myself and my stepdaughter nearly didn’t make it back out of the river on Monday evening after going in after Josh. It looks beautiful but is so very dangerous.”
The family paid tribute to Joshua, who attended the Coppice Primary School and Nursery in Shawhurst Lane, Hollywood.
The family said: “Mummy and daddy are lost without you. You were such a big part of our family, and we will never be the same again. The day we lost you, we all lost a part of ourselves along with you.
“The thought of having to carry on life without you breaks our hearts every day. There is a big space that only you can fill, your amazing personality and your beautiful nature made everyone love you even more.
“Joshua, our love for you will never go away. You’ll stay in our hearts and memories forever.
“We love and miss you.”
Warwickshire County Council is expected to announce soon when the new equipment is to be installed.
