THE father of a Ponteland teenager who tragically drowned is determined to do everything he can to ensure other families do not have to experience the same grief.

Charlie Pope tragically died in Manchester following a night out on March 1 2018.

The 19-year-old, who was studying in the city, was on his way back to his halls of residence when he lost his footing and fell into the canal.

His devastated father Nick has since campaigned for improved safety around waterways, and he has been working alongside Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWRFS) to deliver water safety advice to communities.

The businessman has now welcomed the installation of 14 life-saving throw-bags by Newcastle City Council along the busy Quayside, which saw an investment by the local authority of £10,500, at the beginning of the launch of the Be Water Aware campaign.

The National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC) annual campaign is this year running from April 24 until April 30 this year.

Hexham Courant: Charlie Pope died in a Manchester city centre canal following a night out in 2018Charlie Pope died in a Manchester city centre canal following a night out in 2018 (Image: Submitted)

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"Awareness campaigns are so important to try and make sure it doesn’t happen to other families," said Nick.

"Everybody naturally thinks that they can come to no harm and that they will never end up in the water.

"You think to yourself, it only ever happens to other people and other families. We thought that, until it happened to our family.

"The one piece of advice I would give, is where you can, please avoid walking close to water on your way home.

"Choose another route. Even in Newcastle at the quayside on a night out, you don’t need to be close to the water.

"If you do need to walk home near to the water, please make sure you are accompanied by someone just in case you get into difficulties.

"The throw bags initiative is incredibly important and impressive. It is already saving lives and people are alive today who would have died."

Nick, a managing director at a manufacturing company, lives in Ponteland with his wife, Andria.

Charlie, who attended Ponteland High School, is survived by two siblings, a brother who lives and works in New Zealand and a sister who is studying in Japan.