Haverfordwest deaths were 'tragic and avoidable' says inspector
A report into the deaths of four paddleboarders has been published
Last updated 8th Dec 2022
A report into the deaths of four paddleboarders in South Wales has criticised the safety planning that day by the tour organisers and called for a new body to be created to oversee safety for the sport.
Paddleboarding is the UK's fastest growing sport and the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has called what happened at Haverfordwest Town Weir on October 30, 2021, a 'tragic and avoidable accident that had a profound effect on the participants and the families of those that lost their lives'.
A group of nine stand up paddleboarders set off that morning for an organised tour on the Cleddau River, led by owner of the Salty Dog Co Limited - with the assistance of an associate and fellow leader.
Paul O'Dwyer, 42, from Port Talbot; Morgan Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil; Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Swansea; and Andrea Powell, 41, from Bridgend, all died as a result of the trip.
The group ran into difficulty almost immediately after setting off. The report concluded the 'four stand up paddleboarders died because they fell from their paddleboards as they descended the weir and became trapped in the hydraulic towback, from which there was no means of escape'.
The water at the time was described as like a 'washing machine' by the inspector, as they were being pulled back to the fish pass and then pulled underwater. It is believed part of the reason they were unable to free themselves in the strong moving water was because they wore a paddleboard ankle leash - rather than a quick-release waist belt.
Dyfed-Powys Police say: “The woman arrested in connection with the incident remains under investigation. A file of evidence has been passed to the CPS for their consideration.”
What did the investigator say?
Andrew Moll, OBE, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, said: "Stand up paddleboarding is probably the fastest growing UK water sport, with participation in recent years growing by nearly 300%. However, like all water sports, those that buy or rent a paddleboard need to understand the risks.
"First, if you are stand up paddleboarding wear the right equipment. Always wear a buoyancy aid and, in moving water, wear a quick release waist leash so you can separate yourself from your paddleboard if it becomes trapped.
"Second, remember that in certain conditions weirs can develop treacherous hydraulic towbacks that can trap and drown you. Authorities responsible for weirs should ensure they have assessed the risks to the public and have implemented appropriate control measures such as signage, railings, warning buoys or even barriers to keep the public safe.
"Third, looking to the future, it is critical that the governance of this fast-growing sport improves so the public receive clear, consistent safety advice and are able to recognise businesses that are competent to deliver training, tours and expeditions.”
What exactly did the report find?
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch report found 'the signage at the launch point of the tour, and on the river, did not conform with national water safety signage conventions or adequately alert the group to the location of the weir and the risks of descending it'.
It also criticised the planning of the tour itself saying there was a reconnaissance in August 2021 'during which river conditions were benign and the weir was largely submerged' and that fateful day leaders 'assessed that it was safe for the tour to go ahead' despite the fact 'they did not visit the weir and were unaware of the high river level, tidal conditions and flood alert in force at the time'.
The tour leaders also failed to 'heed the sign close to their launch point that warned users that the weir was dangerous and advised them to exit the river and carry their craft around the weir'.
What are the key safety issues identified?
- The leaders’ planning and preparation for the tour was inadequate and overlooked the extreme hazard posed by the weir.
- Signage at the launch point and on the river did not adequately alert participants to the risk of descending the weir.
- Clothing, buoyancy aid and leash wearing by participants did not follow recognised guidance.
- The leaders did not have the training, experience or qualifications to lead the tour.
- UK stand up paddleboarding safety messaging and training governance is inconsistent and there was no means for the participants to judge the proficiency of training and tour providers.
What actions are being taken immediately?
Safety recommendations have now been made to Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water who have been told in conjunction with Pembrokeshire County Council, Milford Haven Port Authority and other stakeholders as appropriate, conduct an immediate risk assessment of the hazard posed to river users by Haverfordwest Town Weir, and to implement control measures as appropriate to mitigate that risk.
The report adds: "Such measures could include, inter alia, riverside signage, warning marker buoys and, if deemed necessary, physical barriers."
UK national sports councils have been told to: "Continue their review of the governance of stand up paddleboarding in the UK and urgently ensure that the recognised national governing body(ies) have the resource, support and expertise to issue advice and guidance, including appropriate training standards to control risk to those who take part in this fast-growing sport.
"This should include the publishing of safety standards, a national governing body guide to good practice and other guidance as appropriate to participants and those operating SUP activities."
How many other people have died where paddleboard leash entrapment was a factor?
The report also highlights the death of Simon Flynn, a 42 year old from near Cheltenham who drowned while stand up paddleboarding in the Camel Estuary in Cornwall in August 2020 when his ankle leash got trapped underneath a boat mooring.
In March Sam Foyle, Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk and Greatest Hits Radio jointly hosted a first-ever UK industry summit in Parliament to see what changes could be agreed
Today, in a separate case an inquest will be heard into the death of 24 year old paddleboarder Emma Louise-Powell |newtab) who died in July in North Wales
Emma's brother-in-law Michael Tasker says he's determined to see changes:
The event in Parliament was followed up a second event at the RNLI and the UK's first joint paddleboard safety messaging on World Drowning Prevention Day. |newtab)
MPs have also backed the campaign
Earlier this year the RNLI, which has seen a rise in paddleboard rescues and British Canoeing, wrote to major non-watersport specific retailers) asking them to supply safety information with sales of new boards.
Retailers like Dorset-based Fatstick |newtab) and Gloucestershire-based McConks) now supply two types of leash as standard with new boards. The world's biggest brand RED has also met with campaigner Sam Foyle RED backs campaign: ⦁ https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/devon/news/world-biggest-paddleboard-brand-backs-safety-campaign-in-simon-flynn-name/ ){:target=_blank} and taken part industry efforts to try and improve safety.