A teenage brother died trying to save his drowning sister after both children fell into a river in Ontario, Canada, last week. Kayden, 15, jumped into the Wabigoon River when his 12-year-old sister Joyclyn slipped from the water's edge, despite neither child knowing how to swim.
The siblings had been exploring their new neighbourhood with cousins when tragedy struck. Their stepmother Heather Dodds had repeatedly warned them to stay away from water without adult supervision, telling them: "You guys do not know how to swim yet. You are looking at swimming lessons this year. You're not to be near the water, unless an adult is with you."
Hero brother's final act
Kayden, who was obsessed with science and video games, immediately jumped in when he saw his sister struggling in the water. Dodds said he went in after his sister as "most of all, he loved his little sister."
Joyclyn, described as someone who "could walk into a room and light it up with her smile," was obsessed with Disney's Stitch character. Her favourite saying was "Ohana means family, and family never gets left behind," according to her stepmother.
Mother's devastating phone call
The children's mother Stacey Grant was at home when she received the devastating phone call about both deaths. Grant said she "replays the phone call in my head every day." She recalled the devastating phone call and said: "I don't get it. It doesn't make any sense. It should never have happened."
The family has established a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses for both children, describing them as "fun loving and bright children" who brought joy to everyone around them.
Water Wings foundation launched
The grieving family has channelled their loss into action by launching Water Wings, a water safety foundation in memory of the siblings. The initiative aims to teach children swimming skills and prevent similar tragedies.
Dodds explained the urgent mission: "We didn't have enough time to give them the necessary skills. Had they had those skills, maybe we would be looking at a different situation. Kids need to know how to swim. You don't want to be in our position."
Call for mandatory swimming lessons
The children's grandfather Michael Williams is advocating for mandatory school swimming lessons, according to the Daily Mail. He believes swimming programmes should be opt-out rather than opt-in to ensure all children receive essential water safety training.
The family's message is clear: "Water is everywhere. If your kids are young and don't know how to swim, reach out. Reach out to Water Wings. Reach out to your local swimming clubs."
Sources used: "Mirror", "Daily Mail", "CTV News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
