I CANNOT bear to think about the heartache and sadness that the parents of Megan Roberts and Ben Clarkson are going through.

Two young people who appear to have paid a terrible price for their youth and a night’s celebration; something most of us have done and got away with – it’s just part of growing up.

I just hope that the meeting on Tuesday night of North Yorkshire Police, the council and university authorities came up with something positive to give hope that these two drownings will be the last for many years.

I think several cameras sited strategically overlooking the Rivers Ouse and Foss at known vulnerable locations should be at the forefront of new action.

A pair of caring and observant eyes looking at monitors might just prevent another tragedy.

The universities should brief all new undergraduates on the dangers of York’s rivers so that it’s embedded in their psyche to keep well away at all times; the clubs and pubs should also act responsibly and the police should do patrols.

At the end of the day we all have to accept personal responsibility for ourselves and make sure we operate a “buddy” system of sticking together and the group keeping an eye on each other.

Keith Massey, Acaster Malbis, York.