A POWERFUL and emotional water safety presentation left a lasting impression on learners after campaigner Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE shared the story behind her mission to save lives.
More than 75 staff and students attended the session at Coleg Cambria’s Yale site in Wrexham, where Debbie spoke about the tragic loss of her son Chris and the importance of understanding the dangers of open water.
The award-winning founder of River and Sea Sense has spent almost two decades educating young people across the UK, turning heartbreak into a campaign that has helped save lives and raise awareness of water safety.
Chris was just 15 years old when he drowned at Capel Curig in August 2006 after getting into difficulty.
Determined that other families would not experience the same heartbreak, Debbie began speaking in schools just weeks later and has since dedicated her life to water safety education.
Today, through River and Sea Sense, she has reached hundreds of thousands of young people and adults across the UK and beyond, sharing practical advice on how to stay safe around rivers, lakes, reservoirs and coastal environments.
Her mission is simply to “Touch A Million Hearts” with her story while creating a lasting legacy for Chris through education and awareness.
Reflecting on her journey, Debbie told attendees: “There were times when I questioned whether I could carry on, but I knew I had to turn my life into something that mattered for Chris.
“I see a little bit of Chris in all of you. You have your sparkle, your future and your dreams ahead of you.
“If sharing our story helps save even one life, then it is worth it.”
During her presentation, Debbie highlighted some of the biggest risks facing young people, particularly as the summer months approach.
Topics included cold water shock, hidden underwater hazards, water temperature, inflatables, alcohol consumption around water, beach parties, peer pressure and the importance of using the correct safety equipment.
She explained how many people underestimate the dangers of open water, even during warm weather, and how cold-water shock can have fatal consequences within seconds.
Debbie also highlighted concerns around the growing number of incidents involving teenage boys and young men, urging learners to make informed decisions and look after one another.
The visit also shone a spotlight on Debbie's support for the Save Lives for Sam campaign and her wider efforts to reduce preventable drownings through education.
Her tireless work has earned national recognition, including the National Lottery Special Achievement Award presented by Bear Grylls and a Points of Light Award from former Prime Minister Theresa May. She has also spoken in Parliament and the House of Lords on the issue of drowning prevention and water safety.
Her message remains the same: “Respect the water... always.”
The session was organised by Foundation Skills Lecturer Rachael Muia.
“Debbie’s story had a profound impact on everyone in the room,” said Rachael.
“It was emotional, thought-provoking and incredibly important. Many young people are simply unaware of how quickly a situation around water can become life-threatening.
“What happened to Chris is absolutely devastating, and Debbie’s presentation highlighted the ripple effect these tragedies have on families, friends and communities for years afterwards.
“We are already exploring opportunities for Debbie to deliver further talks and presentations across Coleg Cambria’s sites next academic year because these are messages that genuinely save lives.”
Debbie urged learners to look after one another, make sensible decisions around water and never underestimate the risks.
“Please be careful,” she added. “Every life saved means everything.”
For more information, visit River and Sea Sense - Water Safety Education - Drowning Prevention.
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