New safety measures have been installed at Prudhoe's Tyne Riverside Country Park on the banks of the Tyne after three teenage boys died. David Radut, 14, and Aras Rudzianskas, 13, both from Newcastle , lost their lives in May after getting into difficulty in the river between Prudhoe and Ovingham. The tragedy followed the death of 13-year-old Robert Hattersley in 2022 in the same stretch of water.
The incidents have led to increased calls for better safety measures along the river bank, and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has now responded by installing throw-bag boards. In the event of someone entering the water a member of the public, or a first responder, would locate the board, call 999, ask for the fire and rescue service and use a code provided to gain access to a throw-bag. Read more: Anger as spaniel rushed to vet after eating 'drug-contaminated human poo' on Druridge Bay Keep up to date with all the latest local news from Northumberland with our free newsletter Similar devices have been installed along the Quayside in Newcastle.
In the same week they were installed in April 2023, one was used to save the life of a woman who entered the water. Coun Angie Scott, who represents the Prudhoe North ward on Northumberland County Council , has been a strong backer of the campaign to bring in more water safety measures. The councillor and nurse got into difficulty in the river herself as a youngster.
She said: "I'm so pleased I was able to facilitate the installation o.