Mother in Merthyr Tydfil whose son died in Pontsticill Reservoir raises awareness of risks
Maxine Johnson spoke to The Valleys Lead about the dangers of open water after the death of her 15-year-old son.
Hello and welcome to The Valleys Lead.
Twenty years ago, Maxine Johnson’s son died after experiencing cold water shock while swimming in a reservoir in Merthyr Tydfil. The Valleys Lead spoke with Maxine about how she is raising awareness about open water.
For more about how to stay safe in water, please visit Water Safety Wales.
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The Valleys Briefing
(A little round-up of some stories in brief from our valleys.)
Lis McLean, newly-elected MS for Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr, has made her first contribution in the Chamber, urging the voice of the community in Merthyr Tydfil to be heard on decisions made about the open mine, Ffos-y-Fran, which The Valley Lead has reported on previously. “A mining legacy working group has been established to look at the future of the site, and as I understand membership of the group is still being discussed,” she said. “At present, there is no certainty that the voice of the community will be represented. If the restorication work is to meaningful, the community of Merthyr Tydfil has to be part of it.”
The Big Den Reuse Shop in Ebbw Vale has been open a few days and customers have been flying through the doors apparently. So much so, they really need donations of stock. Cabinet Member Councillor Tommy Smith paid a visit this week to see the shop and find out about the great work of the Wastesavers charity projects. “Pleased to pay a visit to Y Den Mawr (The Big Den Reuse Shop) in Ebbw Vale earlier this week,” Smith said. “It’s great to see items being given a second life while supporting sustainability and reducing waste. Every reused item helps make a difference.” The shop is located at New Vale Household Waste and Recycling Centre, Waun-y-Pound Industrial Estate.
Independent councillors in Merthyr Tydfil have said on Facebook that they are “deeply concerned” by the announcement that funding for Community Focused Schools has ended and that the entire team is now subject to redundancy consultation. “This service has supported some of the most vulnerable children, young people and families across our county borough, helping improve attendance, tackle the effects of poverty, strengthen links between schools and communities and engage families who often struggle to access support,” a post read. “What makes this particularly concerning is that the work undertaken by Community Focused Schools directly reflects many of the priorities set out by the current administration itself – leading on learning, increasing attendance, supporting vulnerable residents, focusing on looked-after children and working collaboratively with partners. The administration’s own Corporate Plan states that decisions should be made openly and that engagement and consultation should be enhanced. We therefore believe residents deserve answers about how this decision was reached, what alternatives were considered and, most importantly, how support for children and families will be maintained going forward.”
Mother in Merthyr Tydfil whose son died in Pontsticill Reservoir raises awareness of risks
On 17 June 2006, Maxine Johnson’s 15-year-old son, Reuben Morgan, drowned in Pontsticill Reservoir, just a few miles north of Merthyr Tydfil.
“It was a hot, summer day, and Reuben had been spending time with friends around the reservoir,” Maxine, who lives in Merthyr Tydfil, told The Valleys Lead. “Like many young people, they were unaware of the hidden dangers that can exist in open water.”
Reuben and a few friends had gone for a swim in the large reservoir, swimming quite a distance out.
“It was very deep and he had gotten into difficultly three quarters of the way across,” Maxine said. “His friends tried desperately to help him, but Reuben was experiencing the effects of cold-water shock. The shock of the cold water can cause panic; difficulty breathing and make it impossible for even confident swimmers to respond in the way they normally would.”
As Reuben struggled, he was pulling one of his friends under the water. Realising the danger to his friend, Reuben told him to let go and get himself to safety.
“His friends reached the shore, but Reuben disappeared beneath the water and never made it out,” Maxine said. “At the time, they did not understand the dangers of cold-water shock or appreciate how cold open water can remain, even during periods of very warm weather. They were simply young people enjoying a summer day and had no idea how quickly a situation could turn tragic.”
Reuben’s death changed Maxine’s life and the lives of Reuben’s other family and friends, forever.
