HEARTBROKEN parents have issued an urgent warning after their 13-year-old son drowned in the river.

       Stella, 48, and Carl Hattersley, 49, tragically lost their young son Robert on July 17 last year after he got into trouble in the River Tyne, Northumberland.

       1

       Robert Hattersley died in the river tragedy last year Credit: NCJ MEDIA

       Robert was playing with pals in the river when he and a friend were swept under due to the strong current.

       Now, the heartbroken family have urged members of the public to "stay safe" following the River Tyne tragedy.

       Carl told ChronicleLive: "We want young people to understand what to do if they get in trouble.

       "We know they hear it from parents and teachers, but [hearing it from] someone who has gone through this tragic loss might help them understand that they should listen."

       Read More in UK News

       TAKING IT TO THE BANK I worked for Banksy - he acted in a way I never would have imagined

       EVER AFTER I saw the afterlife when I nearly died - here's the vivid part that I remember

       The emotional dad added: "The love and passion we have for this cause does come from tragedy but we don’t want any other parents to go through what we’ve been through.

       “A year has passed since we lost Robert and we think about him every day.

       "It hasn’t got any easier, and I don’t think it ever will.”

       Steve Thomas, head of prevention and education from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We work hard year-round to educate our young people about the dangers they can face when they are out and about.

       Most read in The Sun

       b0ozy blip Alison and Dermot apologise after This Morning guest 'gets drunk' and swears

       OVER FOR IRIS Brit pensioner, 83, SPLITS from toyboy, 37, after revealing sex life details

       'JEALOUS' EX Husband, 84, shot dead wife who'd 'moved on with new man' in murder-suicide

       'WIRED DIFFERENTLY' Mel Sykes on shock discovery she has Tourette's and other conditions

       "We don’t do this to scare them, but to give them the information to spot dangers and, arm them with the tools they need to get themselves and others out of trouble if it happens."

       He said if you see a pal in trouble, tell them to "float on their back".

       He added: "Throw something to help them float. Keep yourself and your friends safe."

       The TWFRS head also revealed exactly what to do if you ended up in a perilous situation like Robert did.

       He continued: “We know how tempting it can be to go for a dip, especially when the weather is nice, but often the risks don’t outweigh the benefits.

       “Remember if you do get into trouble, lean back and spread your arms, and wait until the shock passes. Don't fight the water, call 999 and if you’re inland ask for the fire service and if you are at the coast ask for the coastguard.”

       Paul Conway, head of prevention at Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service urged the public not to enter the water if they see anyone in distress but to immediately dial 999.

       He added: "There can be strong currents and debris beneath the surface that aren't visible from the shore, and they can easily overpower even the strongest swimmer."