'Simon's legacy will be lives saved through better paddleboarding education'
The best friend of a man who drowned is calling for two types of leashes to come as standard on paddleboards - after a coroner said it was an 'issue for manufacturers' that should be looked at.
Last updated 28th Jul 2021
Simon Flynn, 42, a tutor from near Cheltenham, died after falling off his paddleboard in August last year - while out alongside his partner Chia in the Camel Estuary near Rock in Cornwall.
The strong water current took him towards a moored boat and Simon jumped into the sea while still attached to his ankle leash. The competent swimmer - who did a lot of water sports and surfing - was unable to get free after the leash became entangled and pulled him under the water.
Mr Flynn's best friend Sam Foyle is now campaigning for more awareness about the different types of leashes that people should use - and for manufactures to sell both types with new boards.
He said: "People are wearing the wrong leash in the wrong circumstances thinking they're doing the right thing.
"That's the challenge. We thought we were doing the right thing with Simon wearing an ankle leash. It transpires that was very very wrong."
Paddleboarding is the UK's fastest growing watersport with suggestions up to 100,000 boards are now sold each year in the UK. This week paddleboarding was included in a list of potential 'treatments' for GPs in Nottinghamshire to prescribe as part of a two-year trial to use outdoor spaces to help improve mental health. The numbers trying the sport are expected to increase in the coming weeks as the school holidays begin in earnest.
Paul Hyman, founder of London-based paddleboarding company Active360, is supporting Sam's campaign and says some of the smaller paddleboard manufacturers have agreed to look at changing the standard leash they offer.
Sam says a quick-release waist leash is best for moving water such as 'rivers, tidal rivers and estuaries' as it prevents the person getting entangled and unable to release themselves.
At the moment an ankle leash is usually sold with a new paddleboard, which Sam says is best for 'surf or lakes or non-moving water' where it is unlikely the person could get 'entangled'.
Barry Hughes has produced this video (below) showing how fast-moving water can make it difficult to get free from an ankle leash.
Campaigners stress the volume of moving water also makes it difficult to get free from an ankle leash - it is not just the speed of the water that can cause someone to get into difficulty.
Mr Hughes has given us permission to use his video, saying: "I’ve been trying to get the message across for years. I’ve contacted national governing bodies, suppliers and manufacturers but it took a death to make a small difference .
"There is still the wrong information out there such as 'use waist leash on fast flowing river' but any flow is dangerous."
Sam is also calling on the sports governing body British Canoeing to further 'simplify' the advice it gives about leashes on itswebsite- which he says could encourage more manufacturers to add a second leash with their products.
Below is our social media video highlighting Simon's story and the legacy his best friend Sam is fighting for
A British Canoeing spokesperson responded by saying: "British Canoeing takes safety very seriously and over the past three years we have made a significant commitment to providing educational programmes and raising awareness.
"All of our members receive safety guidance and education when they join the organisation and through regular communications.
"As a response to the significant increase in paddlers taking to the water, we have further developed our safety messages through a set of resources available online, including a focus on Stand Up Paddleboarding.
"Our advice for Stand Up Paddleboard provides details as to what type of leash should be worn, which is dependent on the type of water and environment being paddled.
"For fast moving and flowing water, including on estuaries and rivers, we would recommend wearing a quick release waist leash and a buoyancy aid.
"We are continually reviewing the appropriate safety advice for both new and experienced paddlers, and welcome the opportunity to engage further to ensure that we can minimise the risk of accidents."
The spokesperson added: "Our Safety Advisory Panel considers trends and reviews accidents, making recommendations to further promote safety across paddlesport activity.
"We also have a Stand Up Paddleboard Technical Group, that provides advice and supports the development of safety resources specific to the Stand Up Paddleboarding community, whether they are new to the sport or highly experienced.
"We are working with outdoor partners, retailers and specialist water sport safety agencies, including the RNLI, HM Coastguard and Adventure Smart UK, to ensure a collaborative approach and a wider reach in promoting safety messages."