HAZARD signs are to be installed in every park with waterways in Glasgow after a strenuous campaign for enhanced water safety measures in the city.

Grieving parents Duncan and Margaret Spiers have described the move as “crucial” as they believe the signs will save lives.

Glasgow Times:

The couple lost their son, Christopher, when he was just 28-years-old after he tragically slipped on the banks of the River Clyde and drowned.

In the four years since his death, the heartbroken husband and wife launched Christopher’s Campaign - which initially called for safety measures to be stepped up along the River Clyde.

The campaign soon branched out to other areas of water in the city, including Springburn Park, after the couple noticed a need for change.

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow City Council has now confirmed it will be installing additional safety signs around Springburn Park in the interim while it seeks advice from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) on appropriate wording for signs around inland waterways in every city park.

Glasgow Times:

Duncan said: “We are so happy that our efforts have been received by the council. It means that it keeps our son’s memory alive while preventing other parents from going through the same thing that we went through.

“We started looking at Springburn Park because we really thought it needed it. With us being water ambassadors now, we went up to have a look and could see something had to be done.

“We then contacted Friends of Springburn Park to work with the idea and hear their feedback. We worked in conjunction with them to get the safety signs installed in the park.”

Duncan and Margaret have said they are “humbled” to see their campaign is being welcomed by the council, adding that its efforts will help to keep their son’s memory alive.

Duncan said: “My wife and I are so proud that all of the hard work we have put in is being received. We started this campaign under our son’s name and it is so fantastic for his memory.

“We are so humbled that people are listening to our campaign. We need to get this in place for him.

“The impact should help the people of Glasgow and the signs are crucial – they will be there to prevent risk of falling in the water or drowning.

“I hope it will make people think twice if they see the signs. We know the ropes at the River Clyde have helped to save people, so we’re hoping the signage will do the same.

“It’s about making people aware of what is round about them.”

Once the signs are installed, Duncan and Margaret hope that other councils across Scotland take heed of Glasgow’s work and follow suit.

Duncan added: “I don’t know what Christopher was thinking the night he died, but I hope to think that if he seen appropriate water safety signage, he might have been put off going close to the water.

“We’re praying and hoping that the rest of Scotland takes this on. You can’t put money on saving a life. If it’s going to save even one life, it is worth it. Christopher hasn’t died in vain for this.

“We’ve led this campaign by asking, not by walking into meetings and making demands, but by doing the right thing and using the right attitude.

“Christopher’s life meant a lot to other people including us. Losing him was a wakeup call for us to help other families. If we can help other families by stopping them from going what we have gone through, then our job is done.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We are happy to support this and will look at how we can have these signs placed at the entrances of every park with a waterway in it, as soon as possible.”

Christopher’s campaign earlier saw the installation of throw ropes and life belts along the banks of the River Clyde for use in emergency situations.

The family’s water safety campaign to the Scottish Government can be viewed (https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/saving-lives)