A DENBIGHSHIRE mum who lost her son in a drowning incident is urging people to steer clear of open water swimming amid current warm weather.

Three years ago today (June 5), Mark Allen, 18, died after after jumping into a reservoir in Greater Manchester in June of 2018. 

Mark, who was an aspiring actor, immediately got into difficulties and, despite the best efforts of friends to save him, tragically drowned - with his body later recovered by search and rescue teams.

Denbighshire Free Press: Mark Allen died in a drowning incident - aged just 18.Mark Allen died in a drowning incident - aged just 18.

And his mum, Leeanne Bartley, from Ruthin, wants to raise awareness of the dangers of open water swimming - particuarly during the summer months when people are likeliest to do it. 

"Please don't do it," she said.

"People don't realise the very real dangers of cold water shock and the depth of the water they jump into. It's simply not worth the risk."

Around 400 people, many of them young, drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer injury, some life changing, through near-drowning experiences.

Denbighshire Free Press: Mark Allen and sister, Kelly.Mark Allen and sister, Kelly.

Leeanne is fronting a campaign to get emergency throwline stations installed at every reservoir, lake and other open water site in the UK.

Throwline stations provide quick access rescue capability for anyone who might find themselves in difficulties in the water.

Denbighshire Free Press: Mark Allen's sisters, Caitlin and Megan, with a throwline station the family's campaign has helped install at an open water site.Mark Allen's sisters, Caitlin and Megan, with a throwline station the family's campaign has helped install at an open water site.

Her petition calling on the UK Government to provide the safety measures under 'Mark Allen's Law' has just shy of 15,000 signatures, while her petition to the Welsh Government has 3,500. 

Leeanne, 43, said: "In May 2019 we watched whilst three throwlines were installed where he died.

"If there was a throwline station at that reservoir that day - I strongly believe Mark would still be here.

"Speaking to people who work in water safety, like those in the fire services, it's clear throwlines have saved many lives.

"We want to save lives and save people from going through the heartbreak and tragedy of losing someone they love to drowning."

You can sign the Welsh version of the petition here.