A grieving father whose son drowned in the River Wear after a night out is warning people not to walk home near water.
Devastated Dave Irwin’s son Ross, who suffered from cerebral palsy, fell into the water after drinking with friends in Tyne and Wear.
The 22-year-old left a pub near the Biddick Inn, Washington, just before 11pm and told friends he was going for a taxi.
His body was found in the river at Fatfield on Christmas Eve last year.
Ross Irwin’s body was found in the River Wear on Christmas Eve last year after he had been out drinking with friends
Mr Irwin, 44, is now supporting the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK’s campaign that aims to reduce the number of alcohol related drowning incidences.
A crew manager for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, he said: ‘We think he went through a small gap in a fence by the river bank to urinate and fell down the drop, straight into the river.
‘His body was found on Christmas Eve about 100 yards down the river from where he fell in.
‘It was my firefighter colleagues and friends who removed the body.
‘I spent 14 years on that watch and they knew who Ross was as soon as they removed his wallet from his jeans.’
Latest statistics revealed 30 people drowned in the last five years in Tyne and Wear and 11 of these were found to have had alcohol or drugs in their system.
Mr Irwin, of Oxclose, said: ‘We never expected anything like this to happen, it is important that people remain aware of the dangers of drinking and being close to bodies of water and the heightened risk of drowning.
‘It has left us utterly shattered.
‘If I can manage to stop this tragedy from ever happening again I am willing to talk about this incident to anybody who is willing to listen.’
Di Steer, RLSS UK CEO, said: ‘Our hearts break for Dave and his family and we can only hope that by sharing his story, we are able to stop another family going through this kind of pain.
A crew manager for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service,Dave Irwin is campaigning to reduce alcohol-related drowning
‘People tragically die each year because they’ve entered the water with alcohol in their bloodstream, either deliberately or completely by accident.
‘Drinking near or in water can be a dangerous and deadly cocktail.
‘Alcohol can seriously impede your ability to survive in water.
‘When walking home from a night out avoid routes that are alongside water, particularly in the darkness, and always stay with and look out for your friends.’
The 22-year-old was found in the River Wear after falling in following a night out with his friends
As the first anniversary of Ross’ death approaches, Dave said his son was an inspiration who never let his disability stop him going for a drink with his friends.
‘He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a toddler, but he never let the condition affect him,’ he said.
‘He lived with his mam Debbie, but they weren’t just mother and son, they were best friends.
‘He was a fun-loving, genuine, selfless, caring and funny young man.
‘He never let his disability get in the way of his life.
‘He loved “the sesh” with his friends and was living life to the full.’