Open-water safety charity · South Yorkshire
Sam was 16, with his whole life ahead of him.
On the last day of school, Sam drowned in open water at Ulley Reservoir. Sam's Army exists so no other family has to feel this loss, raising awareness and funding the equipment that saves lives. Help us save just one.
- Family-run and not-for-profit
- With South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue
- As seen on BBC, ITV & The Star
Our mission
We raise awareness of the dangers of open water and fund the life-saving equipment that gives someone a fighting chance. Our goal is simple, and it never changes: help save at least one life.
Life-saving equipment
We fund and install throwlines and safety equipment at reservoirs, lakes and parks, so help is there in the seconds that matter.
See what we've installedTalks that stay with you
We take Sam's story into schools and youth groups, turning one family's loss into a warning young people never forget.
Learn water safetyA warning that travels
Through campaigns and media, we keep the dangers of open water in the public eye, because awareness saves lives.
Read Sam's storyThe boy behind the mission
Remembering Sam
Sam Haycock was a lovable, popular lad with a passion for judo, winning medals for Miramar Judo Club across the UK and Europe. On 28 May 2021, he went with friends to Ulley Country Park to celebrate the end of school and exams.
Whilst walking around the reservoir, tragedy struck and Sam lost his life. He was 16.
Everything Sam's Army does is to honour him, and to spare another family the same heartbreak.
"His name lives on in every life we help protect."
Throwlines installed across South Yorkshire
Locations made safer
School & community talks delivered
Mission: save at least one life
Proof you can stand next to
The life-saving equipment we've put in place
This isn't an abstract promise. Because of Sam's Army, throwlines and safety equipment now sit at open-water sites across South Yorkshire, including a barrier and throwline at Ulley, where Sam was lost. Explore where your support goes.
As featured in
If telling Sam's story stops this happening to one more family, then it is worth everything.
Your gift could be the reason someone comes home
Every donation helps put life-saving equipment where it's needed, and keeps Sam's message in front of the young people who need to hear it most.