ARTWORK to remind people about the dangers of open water will be installed at a spot where a teenager drowned.
The memorial, which pays tribute to 15-year-old Richard Fellows who died after getting into difficulty in the River Arrow, will be unveiled next week at Arrow Valley Countryside Park.
The installation, that includes metal fish which are suspended from the trees, was designed by Keith Ashford and Elizabeth Turner.
It was commissioned by Batchley Support Group with help from Redditch Borough Council officers and will be unveiled to coincide with the Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week (June 20 to 28).
During the week the council will be putting up a display at the Abbey Stadium, as well as encouraging young people to take up free swimming sessions.
A short film about the dangers of swimming in open water has also been created by local young people with the help of Batchley Support Group.
Coun Yvonne Smith, who is responsible for community safety, said: “We were pleased to work with Batchley Support Group to enable them to take this project forward.
“The message behind it is a very important one I hope resonates with residents going forward.”
Visit www.rlss.org.uk for more information about Drowning Prevention Week.
