‘If I could take his place, I would’: Grandfather of teenager who died while swimming at Hartlepool beach remembers him

Matthew sadly died after going missing while playing in the sea at Steetley Pier, in Hartlepool, on July 15, 2021.

Following Matthew’s tragic death, his grandfather Anthony Bell, 57, has been trying to raise awareness about the dangers of the sea in the hope to save lives.

Mr Bell will continue to spread the message on the day of the anniversary, when he plans to spend some time at Steetley Pier and talk to passers-by about the importance of being safe in the water.

He said: "People should talk. All the parents should talk to young children. Grandparents should talk to their grandchildren as well.

"All the schools should do something. The councils should do more as well.

"There should be more lifeguards. That could help.”

He continued: "I’m going to go down to Steetley Pier, stand at the beach. When people walk past, I talk to them, I talk to the parents who have young children.

"They understand as well.”

Mr Bell added: "I don’t want fame or anything like that, I just want to spread the word.”

Fourteen-year-old Matty, who went to Manor Community Academy in Hartlepool, died after going to the beach at Steetley with friends to enjoy themselves.

He tragically got caught in a powerful rip tide while swimming and his body was recovered a week later after a huge search which included his family and members of the public.

Mr Bell, from Peterlee, has remembered Matty and paid tribute to him.

He said: "I’ve never met a child like him. He was happy and kind, and I miss him.

"It shouldn’t have been him. If I could take his place, I would.”

Hartlepool Borough Council said in a statement: “We would strongly advise people not to swim off Steetley Pier and the North Sands and Crimdon beaches – it is not safe to do so.

“Steetley in particular is an area where the conditions may appear calm but the beach has a number of hazards that are not visible.

"The water around the pier is a particular hazard as there are channels that cause very strong rip currents as well as sudden deep water and underground hazards.

“The best way to avoid rip currents and to stay safe is to choose one of our lifeguarded beaches and to always swim within the areas marked by the red and yellow marker flags.

"These show that the lifeguards are on duty and indicate where it is safe to swim based on the sea conditions for that day.”

The council adds that If you do find yourself caught in a rip:

• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted;
• If you can stand, wade don’t swim;
• If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore;
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.