The cousin of a boy who drowned at a country park says people still haven't learned from his death.
Vikki Kay has spoken out after pictures emerged earlier this week of families ignoring warning signs to use the 'beach' area at Clifton Country Park where 14-year-old Adam died a year ago.
The teenager had taken a trip there with two friends when he and one of his mates decided to go swimming in the River Irwell.
Adam had jumped into the water from a sheer cliff opposite the small beach area, but began to struggle in the deep water and was dragged under.
We reported earlier this week how despite a padlocked gate and warning signs, visitors are continuing to use the area.
The day after our story was published, Chris Taylor, who had taken the photos of the busy beach, spotted the gate had been taken off its hinges altogether, with people insistent on visiting the site.
Vikki, who used to babysit for Adam when he was younger, says she's shocked that people haven't heeded the warnings.
"I went to Clifton last week to lay flowers as it was the first anniversary of Adam's death and there were children in the water whilst parents were watching and I was horrified," said the 30-year-old, from Tonge Moor in Bolton. "I really thought Adam's death would be a learning curve for people."
Vikki, who has four children and a stepdaughter, added: "It's upsetting to see families putting themselves in danger, especially their children, when we as a family have been through the most horrendous year and that one tragic accident means our lives will never be the same. It really doesn't take much for the current to pull anyone under, a child or adult."
Following Adam's death, the gate leading to the beach area was padlocked to prevent public access and additional signs were put up warning of the dangers of deep water.
His mum Shirley Whitworth and step-dad Mark Whitworth, from Kearsley, called on Salford City Council to improve safety measures in the park, saying losing the teenager had changed their lives leaving 'a piece of us missing'.
At Adam's inquest, representatives of the authority and staff from United Utilities - which owns a section of the park across the river - explained that they had added new signs warning people not to enter the river.
The vandalised gate has now been fixed and Councillor David Lancaster, the council's lead member for environment and community safety, said: “This kind of vandalism is not helpful as the gate and extra signs are there to discourage people from paddling or swimming in the river which presents many dangers. We will continue to work in partnership with United Utilities to continue raise awareness of the risks.”
