Sisters of tragic swimmer thank retiring lifeboatman

TWO women whose brother lost his life off the coast of New Brighton have returned to Hoylake Lifeboat Station to thank a volunteer ahead of his retirement.

- By MORGAN KING

Dave Whiteley, 66, was involved in the search for Haydn, who tragically drowned when swimming in the River Mersey with a friend on July 19, 2022.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crews were dispatched after Haydn's friend called for help, but were unable to locate the 23-year-old.

His body was ultimately recovered five days later.

Haydn was an experienced swimmer and marine engineer. Since his death, his sisters Brogan and Megan have campaigned in support of the RNLI and to raise awareness of the dangers of open water swimming.

The Griffiths family commissioned a memorial bench for Haydn, which was placed outside the lifeboat station earlier this year.