Family Reflects on Teen's Tragic River Death
The family of Ben Glen, a teenager who drowned in the River Nith in Dumfries, Scotland, earlier this year, say they relive his death each time another young person dies in open water.
Ben, who was afraid of water and could not swim, died at the end of April, just eight days after his 18th birthday.
Since then, at least 17 people, including 11 teenagers, have died in water-related incidents across the UK during a recent warm spell.
Ian Glen, Ben's father, told BBC Scotland News that every time they hear about another death,
"we feel what that family are going through".
Ian and his wife, Cheryl, are now seeking to raise awareness about the dangers of open water and encourage young people to reconsider taking unnecessary risks.
From Joy to Tragedy in Weeks
Ben's death occurred less than a month after Ian and Cheryl's wedding and just over a week after they returned from their honeymoon.
Ian described the five weeks as a journey from incredible highs to devastating lows.
The wedding had brought their family together, including Ian's five children, to celebrate their union.
"We were on cloud nine... it was just the happiest day ever going,"said Ian, a renal dialysis nurse from Dumfries.
Two weeks later, after returning from a Mediterranean cruise, the family celebrated Ben's 18th birthday with his favourite meal—macaroni cheese and a cup of tea.
On the same day, Ben began a new job as a cleaner, working alongside his sister Abigail, 22, which he enjoyed.
Ben was also excited about becoming a father; his partner was expecting a baby in September.
"It was something he was really looking forward to - he couldn't shut up talking about it,"Ian said.
"He was so happy about it completely."
The Day of the Incident
Everything changed on 30 April when Ian received a call informing him that Ben was in the water. He rushed to the river.
He walked through Dock Park, where children played in the sunshine and people walked their dogs.
"Then you get to where it's happened and everything just stops,"Ian said.
"It's just surreal. Time freezes and you don't believe it's true."
The emergency services, including the Nith Inshore Rescue team, were at the scene near Kingholm Road.
"You would think it's really noisy, but I just heard silence,"Ian added.
Police informed him they had recovered Ben's body and were attempting to save him.
"I have to try and stay strong for [my children] because I kind of tell them like it's fine they're working on him. He's gonna be fine.
But the nurse in me probably thought no, he won't be."
Police reported that Ben entered the water to retrieve a dog's ball while walking along the river's edge with his partner and her family.
They entered the water to help him but were pulled to safety by a passer-by. Ben remained in the water for 45 minutes.
Unanswered Questions and Family Grief
For Ian and his family, many questions remain unanswered.
Ben never learned to swim due to his fear of water. During a holiday in Benidorm last October, he wore armbands in the swimming pool.
"We know he's 18, a young lad, and they do silly things. Everyone's been that age,"Ian said.
"But to put yourself in that danger - I don't understand... and we just need the answers for it."
Police Scotland stated that Ben's death is not being treated as suspicious. A report has been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
A COPFS spokesperson said,
"An investigation into the death is ongoing and significant developments will be shared with the family of Benjamin Glen throughout the investigation."
Since Ben's death, the family has learned of more young people dying in rivers and lakes across the UK.
"They all seem to be avoidable deaths,"Ian said.
The family wishes to share their experience to raise awareness about the dangers of open water.
"We don't want any family going through what we're going through at all - it's the worst thing in your life that could ever happen,"Ian said.
"We don't want other families to have to grieve their children."
How to Stay Safe in the Water
Jane Dickerson, who works with Port William Inshore Rescue in Dumfries and Galloway, described the recent spate of fatal water incidents as
"absolutely heartbreaking".
"You feel so much for the families, for their friends and also for the people that have had to rescue them and deal with them and it makes you want to get that message out even more,"she added.
She advised that before entering the water, people should consider safety carefully.
If things go wrong, she said,
"try and remain calm" and "float to live".
"Lay back, put your ears in the water to help you float and just calm yourself down."
She emphasized that anyone witnessing someone in difficulty should not enter the water themselves to avoid becoming a second casualty.
"If there is anything around, a throw line or a life ring or anything like that or any object that you can use, get that to that person that's in the water but try and remain calm yourself so that you keep the person in the water calm and then just wait until the emergency services get to you."
