Drowned sailor's memorial bench 'a place to reflect'

A memorial bench honouring a drowned sailor has been unveiled outside one of the RNLI lifeboat stations involved in the search for him, with a plaque urging people to "respect nature" and "stay safe".

Haydn Griffiths, who had been selected to train with the GB sailing team, died off New Brighton, Wirral, aged 23, in July 2022, despite being a strong swimmer.

His family commissioned the bench, which features two carved owls inspired by his love of nature, and said they hoped people could sit there and reflect on his story and share water safety messages.

It has been placed outside the RNLI lifeboat station in Hoylake, Wirral.

Volunteer lifeboat crews from Hoylake, New Brighton and West Kirby were part of the search for Mr Griffiths.

His sisters Megan and Brogan, from Wigan, added a plaque which reads: "Your life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the sunset. Respect nature and stay safe. #staysafeforhaydn."

They launched the Stay Safe for Haydn water safety campaign following his death and have been working alongside the RNLI.

Megan Griffiths said her family was "incredibly grateful" to the RNLI crews who tried to find her brother.

"To now have a special memory bench for Haydn, overlooking the sea at Hoylake RNLI feels very special, not only for our family, but for all those who losing Haydn has affected," she said.

She said she hoped it would become "a place where people can pause, take in the view, breathe the fresh sea air and reflect - a peaceful spot for crew and visitors alike to sit, remember Haydn's story and share water safety messages that could one day save a life".

Brogan Griffiths said she would bring her two sons to the bench, adding: "It's in a beautiful location where we will be able to talk about Uncle Haydn, educate them on water safety and keeping safe at the beach whilst also visiting our friends at the RNLI."

Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said it was a "privilege" to host Mr Griffiths' memorial bench.

"We're so grateful for everything his family have done to raise awareness around water safety and the lifesaving work of the RNLI."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.