LIFE saving equipment has been installed at two popular river beauty spots where a Bradford teenager and a Glusburn teenager died last year.

Mohammed Bilal Zeb, a newly married and expectant father, was just 18 when he got into difficulties at Linton Falls on July 31, 2020.

The teenager, of Chellow Grange Road, could not swim but entered the water when his and another family group went to the spot to celebrate Eid.

Sadly Mohammed got into difficulties in the deep and fast-running water and drowned despite a huge effort to save him.

Almost a year later in July this year, Glusburn teenager Ben Marklew, died after getting into difficulties in the River Wharfe near Grassington and was pulled from the water just above Linton Falls but could not be saved.

Ben’s inquest is yet to be held but at the inquest held for Mohammed in March this year, North Yorkshire assistant coroner John Broadbridge said he intended to write to all the local authorities as well as the police, fire service and Yorkshire Water to see if there could be a communal approach to reduce the risk of future tragedies.

At the time there were no lifesaving aids at either beauty spot.

Mr Broadbridge said after recording a verdict of accidental death for Mohammed: “I am told warnings are now in place but these need to be emphasised. Anything that can be done to minimise it happening again should be considered.”

Now steps have been taken to try and make the popular tourist attractions safer with signs and water safety equipment being placed along the riverbank at Linton and Grassington.

The signs have been funded and installed by Grassington Parish council, Linton Parish Council, Craven district councillors, Craven Community hub, the national park and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Station Manager Tony Peel from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Sadly, we have seen two fatalities in this area of the River Wharfe over the last two years, so we hope the new signs will educate people about the dangers of this stretch of water.

“As well as the signs we’ve also installed a Portsafe Public Access Water Rescue System housed in a secure box. The lock code for the secure box is linked to 999 fire control so in an emergency, the caller can quote the location code displayed on the board to gain access to the box with the water rescue equipment stored inside. They can then use the equipment to try and help the person in difficulty while the emergency services are on their way.

“I’m really pleased that so many organisations have come together to fund the safety signs and equipment ensuring visitors and residents of this beautiful area are made aware of the potential dangers.”

Public safety officer, Robbie Kirkbride, has been instrumental in coordinating the work between the emergency services and local authorities in establishing and erecting the signs and safety equipment.

He said: “Over the pandemic, Linton and Grassington along with many of our natural beauty spots have seen a large increase in visitors.

"Hopefully these signs will act as a reminder for visitors to respect the water. “