Two sisters share tragic story of brother’s drowning in RNLI 200 Voices episode
In episode 93 of the RNLI’s 200 Voices podcast, sisters Megan and Brogan Griffiths share the heartbreaking story of losing their younger brother Haydn, who was just 23 when he drowned in the Irish Sea near Hoylake in 2022.
Losing a family member to drowning is shocking enough, but it’s even more shocking when the person is fit, prepared and confident around the water. Haydn was exactly that, the 23-year-old was a sailor, a scuba diver and paddleboarder with water safety knowledge.
Brogan said: ‘There wasn’t anyone that I know that would’ve been more confident, more prepared around the water… he went swimming, got into difficulty where he felt like he couldn’t swim any further.'
At that point Haydn knew he was in trouble and he asked his friend to swim back to shore to raise the alarm and get help.
Megan said: ‘The emergency services were dispatched and the response from the RNLI, the Coastguard, the Fire service, the Police was within minutes. It was unbelievable and they gave Haydn every possible chance of being found alive.’
Volunteer lifeboat crew from the RNLI at Hoylake and New Brighton took part in the multi-agency search for Haydn.
Given Haydn’s physicality and experience in and around water, the heartbreaking news about his drowning was all the more unbelievable for his family. Since that day Haydn’s sisters Megan and Brogan have made it their mission to share vital water safety messages to prevent other families going through the same loss.
‘Especially with him being so fit, so strong, so aware of the water it’s still unbelievable that he wasn’t found alive. And if this can happen to Haydn – with that water safety knowledge and that strength and athleticism – and the amazing response from the emergency services, RNLI and local community… if that can happen to Haydn, it really can happen to anybody.’
Megan and Brogan took part in the RNLI’s Mayday Mile fundraiser in their brother’s memory, as well as sharing his story to help educate others on World Drowning Prevention Day.
Last week RNLI Head of Water Safety, Gareth Morrison, and Water Safety Public Affairs Manager, Ross MacLeod, presented the sisters with a Letter of Thanks from the Chief Executive for their commitment to drowning prevention.
Ross said: ‘Haydn’s tragic story shows the sea can be unpredictable, and tragedy can happen to anyone, even those with vast experience.
‘Megan and Brogan's campaigning water safety work has been truly inspiring and we’re so grateful to them for helping share the RNLI’s lifesaving safety advice. The work they are doing will undoubtedly help prevent other families going through the same heartbreaking loss of losing a loved one.
‘This winter if you see anyone in difficulty in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you get into difficulty yourself, remember Float to Live.’
Hear about Megan and Brogan’s campaigning water safety work and the wish they have as a result of the tragedy in Megan and Brogan Griffiths: Haydn’s Legacy, wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting RNLI.org/200Voices.
The RNLI’s 200 Voices podcast is releasing a new episode every day for 200 days, in the run-up to the charity’s bicentenary on 4 March 2024, exploring captivating stories from the charity’s history and through to the current day.
The charity has been saving lives at sea since it was founded in 1824 and, in that time, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives. Funded by voluntary donations, and with lifeboats crewed by specially-trained volunteers, the RNLI is a truly unique rescue organisation with a remarkable 200-year story to tell – many highlights of which are shared through the podcast series.
Available across all podcast platforms and the RNLI’s website, listeners can hear from survivors, supporters, volunteers, lifeguards, celebrity ambassadors, historians and many more from across the UK and Ireland – and beyond.
To learn more about how you can keep you and your loved ones safe at the coast and in the water head to the RNLI website for advice from the water safety experts.
To find out more about the RNLI’s bicentenary, visit www.RNLI.org/200.
Float To Live:
- Tilt your head back, with ears submerged
- Relax and try to breath normally
- Move your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
- Once over the initial shock, call for help or swim to safety.
Notes to Editor:
- An audio trailer for 200 Voices can be downloaded here and a video trailer can be downloaded here.
- Find out more about the RNLI’s bicentenary at RNLI.org/200
- Catch up on all previous episodes of 200 Voices by visiting RNLI.org/200Voices .
RNLI media contacts
For more information about the 200 Voices podcast series and upcoming episodes, contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
Alternatively you can RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.