Events taking place two years after Derby boy drowned in river tragedy

Events are being held this week in memory of a much-loved teenager who tragically died in the River Trent near Derby.

Thandolwethu Ndlovu, otherwise known as Thando, would have been 17 today.

He was near Swarkestone Bridge with friends when he entered the river and got into difficulty on July 20, 2021.

His body was sadly recovered the next day following an extensive search and rescue effort by emergency services.

His loved ones - including his parents Jabulani and Nombulelo Ndlovu - have since been working to warn about the dangers of jumping or swimming in open water.

Jabulani and Nombulelo have joined forces with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) to produce the above awareness-raising video - and they have set up a charity in their son's name, Thando Aqua World.

In memory of Thando and to raise funds for the vital charity, his family will take part in a 10-mile sponsored walk on Thursday, starting at Chellaston Academy from 9.30am.

And on Sunday, an event - organised by Thando's football club, Melbourne Dynamo FC - will be held at Melbourne Sporting Partnership. There are more details in the poster below.

Nombulelo said: "It is not an easy week for our family - however, in Thando's honor we are determined to make it a life-saver for others."

She described her son as her "special boy" and added: "He was loving, very caring, wonderful.

"We all miss him terribly."

'Help prevent needless deaths'

DFRS group manager David Diggins, who is also the chair of the Derbyshire Water Safety Partnership, paid tribute to Thando's parents for their work since his death.

He added: "Open water may look safe and inviting especially on a hot day, but it can be very dangerous due to very cold water temperatures, hidden currents, fast-flowing water, hidden rocks, rubbish or debris and water pollution that could make you extremely ill.

"As the school holiday approaches, our advice is simple - never be tempted to jump into or swim in any open water to cool off."

In the last five years, between April 2017 to March 2022, Derbyshire firefighters have been called to 106 water rescue incidents - 15 of which involved young people under the age of 17.

And of the total number of water incidents, 16 have been fatal - with males accounting for the majority (14) of those who died.

Group manager Diggins added: "Tragically, in the case of Thando, his was the second water-related death in Derbyshire in a matter of days.

"But this is not solely an issue confined to just 2021.

"Year on year we see people drown by underestimating the risks associated with open water.

"Parents, guardians and carers, please watch Thando's Story above and talk to your children about the dangers of playing in or close to any open water.

"Highlighting the dangers and making sure everyone is aware can help us prevent these needless deaths."

Visit the DFRS website for more water safety advice.