A 15-year-old who died after getting into difficulty in the water at a Welsh beach was “a very kind, lovely, brave boy”.
Those are the words of Maria, David Ejimofor’s mother.
He died last week after the incident at Aberavon beach, near Port Talbot in South Wales.
David attended St Joseph’s Catholic School in Port Talbot and Mrs Ejimofor said the school was planning to build a classroom in memory of her son who was “full of life”.
“He was very humble, very energetic, very dynamic and he loved sports like athletics and going to the gym,” she said.
“He was loved by the whole community. We are very proud of him.”
David’s parents said they hope more safety measures will be introduced at the beach in light of his death.
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A petition has been launched by his family calling for more steps to be taken.
Neath Port Talbot Council said it will make sure their calls “receive attention” as it responds to what happened, along with other organisations.
‘It will help to save another life’
“We just want to put more safety measures there,” David’s father, Alex Ejimofor, said.
“Any safety measure which can be implemented in there we’ll greatly appreciate it – it will help to save another life.
“The children, they love going there, it’s a lovely beach. We just want it to be safe for everybody, including kids. We are parents, we want our children to be safe.
“If we can save one life there on that beach, we’re happy. David is happy as well,” he added.
Mr Ejimofor also thanked everyone who has supported the family following David’s death.
“Everybody who helped, all the organisations, all the community, the Port Talbot community, they are good people,” he said.
“Everybody who came out to help us, including his friends – everybody – we do say thank you very much.”
‘It’s really hard’
The family have found strength in their faith in light of David’s tragic death.
“David is the one holding us here because David is a God-fearing child,” Mrs Ejimofor said.
“He was always in church, and whenever I remember that, that keeps me going, keeps us going as a family because that’s what David would want, to be strong.
“It’s really hard but whenever we remember David we have faith to keep going.”
Emergency services were called to the incident shortly before 7.10pm on Monday, 19 June.
South Wales Police Detective Inspector Carl Price said: “We continue to interview witnesses and gather evidence to establish the circumstances that led to this very sad and tragic incident.
“We are working with partners to support those affected and our thoughts are with David’s family and friends.”
No date has yet been set for the teenager’s inquest.
A spokesperson for Neath Port Talbot Council said: “Following the tragic incident at Aberavon Beach, we want to reassure residents that safety is of paramount importance to us and our partners.”
“A range of emergency services currently operate at the beach and are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all those who use it,” the spokesperson added.
“Aberavon Beach is equipped with signage and advice to promote water safety. These signs provide guidance on swimming in designated areas and the importance of following lifeguards’ instructions.
“We urge all beach users to take note of these signs, familiarise themselves with the safety advice provided, and ensure that they are aware of the potential risks and how to respond to emergencies.”
