The Rotherham Current has joined forces with the parents of a teenage boy who drowned in May, in a bid to force the council to install proper safety signs at open water spots.

Sign Up for Sam aims to petition Rotherham council for proper signage at open water spots, and we have a goal to reach 5,000 signatures in five weeks.

Backed by grieving family members, politicians, and celebrities - we are now calling on as many people as possible to join us in our plight and throw their weight behind our mission.

Sam Haycock drowned in May this year at Ulley Reservoir in Rotherham.  

After school, Sam and a few friends decided to celebrate finishing Year 11 by taking a swim in the Ulley Reservoir. Sam then spotted his friend struggling in the water and, despite Sam not being a strong swimmer, rushed to his friend's aid. Sam got caught up in the current and lost his life trying to save his friend.

Sam's Dad, Simon Haycock, said: “It's time to make a change, and it needs to be now. I never want a parent to feel the pain we felt that day

“We have a reason to carry on and to fight for what’s right and in Sam’s memory we, hopefully, will achieve this.”

Sam was a “cheeky chappy” with an “infectious smile” and an aspiring judo athlete who competed all over the world. He won 22 gold medals for his efforts.

Legendary footballer and local lad David Seaman has backed the campaign and has offered his support for our goals.

Any support will mean so much to Sam's family and friends. Thank you.