Man's bid to save lives after twin brother's death

Ryan Baker-Osborne's twin brother Callum drowned during a family holiday in Dorset

The twin brother of a man who drowned while rescuing a group of children is now working to raise awareness of the danger of open water.

Callum Baker-Osborne, from Coventry, died during a family trip to Rockley Park in Poole, Dorset, on 26 July 2021.

The 18-year-old was swept away after going to the aid of about 13 children who were pulled into deeper water by a riptide.

Speaking to BBC Midlands Today, his brother Ryan said he had an “unbreakable bond” with his twin.

“He was my best friend and my twin brother – he was just me in a different body,” Mr Baker-Osborne said.

Thirty family members had travelled to Poole for a five-day caravan holiday by the sea when the tragedy occurred.

The children were playing and paddling in water at about knee-depth when the rip current knocked them off their feet.

Callum Baker-Osborne was described as a hero during an inquest into his death

Mr Baker-Osborne, described as a hero during an inquest into his death, was believed to have helped save three or four children before becoming submerged.

His body was found four days later during a search led by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Ryan Baker-Osborne said he now visited schools to talk to young people about the dangers of swimming in open water, particularly during the summer months.

He said his aim was to help save people’s lives so that families would not go through what they did.

“When you’re caught in water, just float – head back, ears in the water, arms and legs out. Don’t panic,” he said.

“Personally, I won’t just go and jump into any lake or any river. I say go to the water parks or places like that where they’ve got lifeguards watching.”

A family day is due to be held in July at Pinley Rugby Club in Coventry on the third anniversary of Mr Baker-Osborne’s death, which is aiming to raise money for the RNLI.