The grandfather of a teenager who tragically died at sea has paid tribute to the youngster on the first anniversary of his death.

Matthew Sherrington, from Hartlepool, died after playing in the sea near his home town last July.

The 14-year-old, who was known as Matty and was a pupil at Manor Academy, went missing on July 15 and was found a week later following a huge search.

Matty’s grandfather Anthony Bell, from Peterlee, said he wanted to raise awareness of the sea and his dangers.

Read more: Thrill-seekers risk their lives 'tombstoning' at danger bridge as temperatures soar

Describing Matty as “brilliant”, he added: “He wasn’t a fighter or anything like that. He was always kind and polite and said please and thank you.

The Northern Echo: Matty Sherrington Matty Sherrington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“He loved going on his bike or being out with friends. I just wish it hadn’t happened.”

Mr Bell, who is hoping to go into Manor Academy to speak to pupils, said: “I see the kids paddling out right up to their necks and it could be dangerous.

“I don’t think Matty was aware at all. He wasn’t bothered about the dangers. He didn’t have a care in the world.

“He was a bit of a daredevil. He was just being a kid.”

He added: “We used to do the same when we were kids. We didn’t have any fear. Now we’re grown-ups, we have that fear.

“Parents and grandparents should be talking about this. It should be on the telly. They need to be talking about the dangers of the sea on the North East coast.”

The Northern Echo: Anthony Bell wants to raise awareness of the dangers of the sea a year on from the death of his grandson Matty Sherrington Anthony Bell wants to raise awareness of the dangers of the sea a year on from the death of his grandson Matty Sherrington

There have been renewed calls about water safety following the death of 13-year-old Robert Hattersley, from Crawcrook, who died following an incident in the River Tyne near Ovingham, in Northumberland on Sunday.

Read more: Call for increased River Tyne safety

The RNLI and HM Coastguard have also issued fresh advice to families planning to visit the coast this summer.

During the summer holidays last year, RNLI lifeguards helped almost 12,000 people and saved 41 lives.

Of those, children under the age of 13 were the most assisted age group with 4,968 aided and 16 lives saved.

As schools prepare to break up in England and Wales, RNLI beach lifeguards, are expecting to be extremely busy again during the long summer break.

Steve Instance, from the RNLI Water Safety team, said: "With an estimated 35million people planning to visit the UK coast this summer, our lifeguards will be extremely busy during the school summer holidays with younger children, in particular, needing assistance more than any other age group.

“To stay safe, we’re reminding families to choose a lifeguarded beach where possible and swim between the red and yellow flags which is the safest area as it is constantly monitored by our highly-trained lifeguards.

“A simple skill we ask everyone of any age to remember is how to ‘float to live’ if they find themselves in difficulty in the water. Lean back like a starfish, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. This will allow you to control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. The technique has been proven to save lives.”

Throughout the summer months, a children’s RNLI Seaside Safety advert will be broadcast on TV channels with a catchy song reminding those visiting the coast to float like a starfish if they find themselves in difficulty in the water.

Read more: Northumbrian Water issues urgent warning to residents in the North East

Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard said: “We’re urging anyone visiting the coast and taking part in coastal activities to be aware of the dangers so they can have a safe and enjoyable summer.

“Always check the weather conditions and tide times before heading to the coast as it’s very easy to find yourself quickly cut off by the tide or blown offshore. Whatever activity you choose to do, whether it’s swimming, paddleboarding, walking or anything else near the water, look out for your friends and family to help keep each other safe.

“Please enjoy the UK’s wonderful beaches and coastline but respect their dangers and remember, in a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

The RNLI’s key water safety advice for 7-14 year-olds is:

  • Stop and think – Always swim in a safe place.
  • Stay together – Always swim with an adult, younger children and non-swimmers should always be within arm’s reach.
  • Float – If you find yourself in trouble in the water, float on your back like a starfish.
  • Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard.

 

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