Mother's Plea After Son Drowns in Reservoir

Maxine Johnson's son, Reuben Morgan, tragically drowned in a reservoir in 2006 at the age of 15. Johnson is now issuing a stark warning about the dangers of open water swimming, especially during the current heatwave, hoping to prevent other families from suffering similar heartbreak.

Reuben was swimming with friends at Pontsticill Reservoir when he experienced cold water shock, a dangerous involuntary response to sudden immersion in cold water. Despite his friends' efforts to help, he succumbed to the shock. Tragically, it took three days for search teams to recover his body from the deep, murky reservoir.

Johnson emphasizes that cold water shock can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or swimming ability. She highlights that 202 accidental water-related fatalities were recorded across the UK in 2025. Public Health Wales advises staying safe by not swimming alone, avoiding jumping into open water, and supervising children closely.

Having campaigned for nearly 20 years, Johnson fears more drownings will occur due to the hot weather. She urges parents to discuss the risks with their children, who may underestimate the danger of cold water, which remains cold even in summer. Johnson's passion stems from not wanting any other family to endure her loss.