Mother of boy, 11, who drowned in river issues heatwave warning to parents

Suzie Gough, 49, was at home watching TV when police officers knocked on her door on May 30 and explained her 11-year-old son Mackenzie Swift - known as Kenzie - was missing.

He had been playing with friends at an embankment called "Pebble Beach" near the River Don, near Mexborough, in Doncaster, South Yorks., when he decided to get into the water despite not being able to swim.

He never resurfaced, and a large-scale search operation was launched.

Mackenzie's dad Michael Swift, 46, ran a mile down to the river to find the area swarming with police and Kenzie's t-shirt and trainers by the river bank.

Tragically, his body was found 48 hours later on June 2.

Now his devastated mum has revealed how her last words to her son were: "Don't go too far - I need you back home in an hour."

Suzie is now warning other parents to be aware of the dangers of open water as Britain prepares to bask in another scorching heatwave, which could see temperatures hit 40C.

Suzie and her family are also now petitioning her local council to have Ferry Boat Wharf Footbridge only 20 metres from where her son died renamed to 'Kenzie's Bridge' in his memory.

Paying tribute to her son, Suzie said: "He was a real mummy's boy, I loved his smile and laugh.

"He was sensitive and sweet.

"He loved playing on his Xbox, and was also very active - he loved playing out with his friends.

"That day he went to the river was the first time he had ever gone without an adult.

"I had no idea he had gone there, I was watching TV inside with my other son and baby grandson.

"He never ventured as far before as he was only allowed to stay on my street or the one over, as that was where his friends lived.

"They went because it was warm outside.

"The last words I said to him was 'don't go too far, I need you back home in an hour' as it was getting late into the evening, and I wanted him inside and ready for bed.

"But I never saw him again.

"I'll never forget when the police told me he was missing after playing in the river, my world fell from beneath me.

"Open water is not a joke, lives can be changed in an instant.

"I urge parents to tell their children not to go into the water.

"The bridge being renamed will not only be a tribute, but a reminder to parents and children of the dangers of open water."

Following his death, the bridge has been awash with yellow tributes - Mackenzie's favourite colour - to the schoolboy.

Dozens of flowers, ribbons, photos, and teddy bears have been placed in his memory.

Suzie said her family came up with the idea to change its name while placing the tributes on the bridge.

She said: "It became a sort of nickname for the bridge.

"We would say to each other, 'are you coming to Kenzie's bridge' for instance.

"It just felt right to call it that."

Mackenzie's auntie Bryonie Whittington, 33, has said renaming the bridge is a way of keeping her nephew's name alive.

She said: "This memorial will provide a place where people can come to remember Mackenzie, reflect, and celebrate the happiness he brought to everyone.

"It will be a symbol of the light he brought into our lives, ensuring his spirit continues to shine brightly within our community.

"Renaming the Ferry Boat Wharf Footbridge and establishing a memorial in Mackenzie's name will not only commemorate his life but also offer support and strength to everyone who loved him.

"Mackenzie was such a lovely boy, full of life, always smiling, always laughing, and always bringing joy to those around him.

"We believe that these gestures will bring some solace to our grieving hearts and help keep his memory alive in the town."

The schoolboy - who was in Year 6 at the time of his death - was one of 13 children and six adults who drowned during the last week of May.

It saw the hottest May ever recorded with sizzling 35.1C temperatures recorded in Kew Gardens, in London, according to The Met Office.

An inquest into Mackenzie's death was opened at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on June 11.

It revealed his dad identified his body.

And before adjourning the hearing Coroner’s officer Siobhan Golightly didn't offer a cause of death but said "the pathologist noted features in keeping with drowning".

A final inquest into Mackenzie's death would take place on February 16 next year.

You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/rename-ferry-boat-wharf-footbridge-to-kenzie-s-bridge?utm_medium=custom_url&utm_source=share_petition&recruited_by_id=90ca11b0-6053-11f1-8e7c-017968dda5bc

City of Doncaster Council has been approached for a comment.