The family, a teenager who tragically died this week after having trouble swimming in the sea, has urged others to be “careful in the water”.
Following an extensive search of Burrow Beach in Dublin on the evening of Monday 11 July, Bradley Lulendo (14) was taken to CHI Temple Street, where he later died.
Originally from Angola, Bradley lived in Drumcondra with his parents and three siblings.
His older brother Pasias said the family hopes Bradley’s tragic death could “save many lives”.
“We all love swimming, but we have to be careful with the water. I want to raise awareness and let people who go to the beach know that Mother Nature is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous,” he told RTÉ news .
“We were unfortunate to lose Bradley this way, but his experience could save many lives. Yes, go for a swim, have a good time, but be careful. Don’t go too far in, stay within your reach. Stay within your limits.”
Piasas has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of his brother’s funeral; the details of which are not yet known.
He added: “I miss him so much… I’m really hurt because I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to him properly. What has happened has shocked me so much.
“I feel guilty not being there for Bradley. I feel guilty that I was only one phone call away. I feel guilty that I didn’t go to the beach to swim with him. He just wanted to have fun, just like any other young child.”
Water Safety Ireland said there are an average of nine people drowning per month across the country and the organization urges the public to heed the following advice during the current period of warm weather:
“Swim in your depth and stay in your depth. Swim between the red and yellow flags at a Lifeguarded waterway. Otherwise, swim in areas known locally as safe and where ring buoys are available for rescue. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar areas that may be unsafe. Ask for local knowledge to determine local hazards and safest areas for swimming. Pay attention to any safety signs. Make sure the waterfront has shallow planks so you can get in and out safely. The air temperature is warm, but open water is cooler than air — avoid staying in the water for long periods as your muscles cool down, making swimming more difficult,” said Water Safety Ireland.
“Never use inflatable toys in open water as a gentle breeze can quickly take a person off shore. Always keep a close eye on children and never leave them alone near water. Alcohol is a factor in a third of drownings do not mix it with water activities.
“To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shore, then swim back to shore. If you see someone in trouble in the water, SHOUT – REACH – THROW. Shout to calm, encourage and orient them, reach out with anything that prevents you from entering the water (clothing or stick) and throw a ring buoy or any floating object at it.Always wear a well-fitting life jacket while sailing and keep a VHF radio and a fully charged cell phone handy phone in a waterproof pouch.”