The mother of a Co Tyrone child who drowned after falling into a swimming pool has released a book in his memory.
Little Ryan Espie, from Dungannon, died when on the family's first holiday abroad to the Canary Islands on July 2, 2000. And 22 years on, not a day goes by where his smiling face is not at the forefront of his mother's mind.
Mum Olivia launched a picture book this week called 'Ryan's Rules'. The children's book was created to bring about awareness of water safety in summer months, particularly around swimming pools, paddling pools, rivers, lakes and the sea.
Read more: Tributes to Irish man who drowned on holiday in Greece
Speaking to Belfast Live, Olivia, who now lives in Ballymena, said she plans to take the book to 'wee Ryan's garden' on Saturday, his anniversary, and read it to 'her angel'.
"About two weeks ago, I contacted the writer Emma Heatherington to ask for some advice on a book for children," she added.
"When you hear the news of other tragedies similar to our own, it kind of brings you back. You know what that particular family is going through, and you worry that they won't get any help.
"I am still in contact with the travel reps that were with me on the day that Ryan died. At the time, they were 17 and 18, so I was kind of mothering them too. Teenagers should not have to deal with the death of a young child.
"With Covid, people are more excited and they are going on holidays during the summer and the common sense is there, but sometimes it doesn't come out, through no fault of anyone at all.
"This is why I am calling for education in schools. We are taught road traffic safety education in school, so why not water education?
"I was told that children are given water education, but that is wrong. The schools are given permission to take children out of school to take them to the leisure centres. The parents have to pay for those swimming lessons, so there are an awful lot of children losing out on that opportunity.
"Also, it is from the ages of eight up - my Ryan was five. Children aged seven and under get no lessons at all. I am still calling upon the Department for Education to meet with me. I haven't had one reply yet.
"With the book, Ryan's Rules, the plan is to distribute the book for free around schools, summer schemes, and sporting events throughout the summer months across Northern Ireland.
"I made a promise to my Ryan that I would celebrate the years I had with him, and that is what I will do."
You can follow Olivia on Facebook on @WaterSafetyMum to keep up with her progress or donate through this link.
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