Family of drowned teenager call for better safety at Dorset beach

WATCH Sally Simmonds' report from Rockley Park. She spoke to Callum's twin brother Ryan and niece Demi Osborne, protest organiser Pauline Ferrick-Squib, and local resident Patricia Warner, who wants the beach to remain open.

The family of Callum Baker-Osborne have been joined by others worried about the safety of the waters off Rockley Point in Poole. 

The 18 year old drowned in July while rescuing youngsters caught up in strong currents while on holiday.

This weekend a demonstration was held at the beach to highlight the dangers of rip tides.

It was organised by Pauline Ferrick-Squib, who rescued her own daughter at the same location.

"We had a similar incident three years ago where my daughter was dragged by the current along with a friend's daughter", she told us. "They were 8 years old at the time. We contacted Rockley Park and the Council because we were so shocked and both said it was the other's responsibility"

"We just want signs put up and leaflets put in the caravan to tell parents or show parents or whoever comes here that the water is dangerous," said Callum's twin brother Ryan.

Callum was found in the water at Lake Pier in Hamworthy, Poole, early on Friday, July 30, after crews searched for four days. The 18-year-old from Coventry went missing on the afternoon of Monday, July 26

"He loved his family so much, what he did that day will live on forever," said his niece Demi Osborne.

Rockley Park have issued a statement:

BCP Council says the Park is leased out to Haven Holidays and that as with all safety issues the council continually discusses these with partners, and agrees actions based around risk in areas for which it is responsible.

Some local residents insist the beach is safe, and that closing it would be a real loss to the local community.

But Callum's family say safety is paramount, and they will continue to campaign to make sure no more lives are lost.