AN examination is to take place into whether there are sufficient public safety measures on the Aberdeen beach where a six-year-old boy and his mother tragically died.

Julie Walker, 37, and her young son Lucas drowned in the sea at the weekend despite desperate attempts to save them by a 13-year- old son Samuel and a couple who were passing by.

The Herald understands that four life rings were used in Saturday's attempted rescue, but that by then both mother and son had become unresponsive in the water.

The Herald:

There were no lifeguards on duty at the time. They are available at the beach during certain times of the year through the summer holidays and finish at around 4pm on most days.

It is understood young Lucas was playing in the water on when the current swept him away, before his mum and his brother went in to get to him.

Samuel was kept in hospital while a 25-year-old woman and 28-year-old man, believed to be a couple who tried to rescue the mother and son, were discharged following treatment.

Another would-be rescuer Graham Keith has told how after being battered against the sea wall by the strong currents, and had to be pulled to safety by passers-by.

And a campaign to raise funds for Julie's three remaining children including "brave" Samuel has had to be withdrawn because it was not supported by the family.

The Herald:

Ross Greenhill, from Aberdeen Coastguard, said safety measures would be looked at on the seafront in conjunction with Aberdeen City Council "just to check and make sure that everything that could be done is being done".

"There are life rings all along the beach and a substantial amount of [warning] signage," he said. "Aberdeen as a beach has actually very good coverage for equipment and signage. We will be doing a review of it just to check that nothing has been missed, or that maybe something can be improved.

"We would support the police with their investigation. We will do what the police request of us."

The Herald:

Mr Keith, 26, from Ellon was having a Pizza Hut meal when he realised there was a problem, and said: "I couldn't just stand there and watch.

"I just couldn't get out. "If I was there five minutes earlier things may have been different," he said.

"The waves were crashing against the side and kept pushing me back against the wall which is why I was scraped up and down my body.

"It's devastating what has happened. I feel bad I wasn't able to do anything."

The mother and son, from Aberdeen, were both taken to hospital but could not be saved.

A fund-raising campaign for the children of Mrs Walker will have to return hundreds of pounds to donors gather in around 16 hours.

The Herald:

The gofundme.com fund-raiser started by Hayley Walker said: I'm looking to raise money for 13 year old Samuel Walker, who bravely tried to save his mother and brother from drowning at the Aberdeen beach on the 20th of August. Sadly Samuel's mother and brother died. I'd love to raise money for Jordan, Samuel and Broc."

But the campaign was withdrawn following what it is understood was complaints from members of the Walker family having raised around £600.

The fund-raiser responded saying: "I am very sorry that the page won't be accepting further donations and all donations thus far will be refunded and will reach back within 2-5 working days of the donors according to gofundme.

"I am very sorry to the Walker family for any offence I may have caused setting up this page and can only apologise profusely for adding to your grief."

The Herald:

A gofundme.com spokeswoman  later said they had worked with the organiser of this campaign to issue full refunds for all donors and that that process has now been completed.

The Aberdeen primary school which Lucas attended have paid their own moving tribute.

Amanda Murray, head teacher of Bramble Brae School said: "Pupils, teachers and the wider school community are deeply saddened, and in a state of shock following the dreadful news of Lucas's and his mum's tragic deaths at the weekend.

"Lucas, who had just started Primary Three, was a lovely little boy who was popular amongst his classmates and staff at the school.

"On behalf of everyone at Bramble Brae School we would like to express our deepest condolences to Lucas's family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."

Family members have also paid their tributes to Mrs Walker and Lucas.

One of Julie's brothers Josh Dawson said: "Absolutely devastated, unbelievable hurt!

"So hurtful to lose a family member in such terrible circumstances! I'll be thinking of you both everyday for the rest of my life! May my sister and little nephew rest in piece!" Another brother Daniel Dawson added: Devastated is an understatement. I miss you both so much already. Love you Julie & Lucas.

RIP."