Stand-up paddleboarders who died in a Haverfordwest river tragedy had not been "adequately alerted" to the risk of descending the weir, a watchdog has found. Paul O’Dwyer, 42, from Port Talbot; Morgan Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil; Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Swansea; and Andrea Powell, 41, from Bridgend died after an incident on October 30 last year on the Cleddau River. They were part of a group on a paddleboarding trip for the weekend.
The group of nine were on a commercial river tour to Burton Ferry at about 9am as they descended Haverfordwest Town Weir. Four of the paddleboarders became trapped at the weir by hydraulic towback.
Mr O’Dwyer, Ms Rogers and Ms Wheatley were declared dead at the scene. Ms Powell was taken to Withybush Hospital but died six days later.
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The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has now released a report on the key safety issues. The findings are:
- "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."
A woman from south Wales was arrested on November 6 last year on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and then released under investigation. A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman told WalesOnline on Wednesday: “The woman arrested in connection with the incident remains under investigation. A file of evidence has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for their consideration.”
The MAIB has recommended that Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water works with other agencies to conduct "an immediate risk assessment of the hazard posed to river users by Haverfordwest Town Weir". The watchdog says measures to mitigate the risk could include "riverside signage, warning marker buoys and, if deemed necessary, physical barriers".
It has also advised UK national sports councils to continue their review of the governance of stand-up paddleboarding and "urgently ensure" that recognised national governing bodies 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". The report adds: "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 stand-up paddleboarding activities."
Chief inspector of marine accidents Andrew Moll said: “This was a tragic and avoidable accident that had a profound effect on the participants and the families of those that lost their lives. 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.”
The watchdog says the UK national sports councils should "review and develop as necessary its minimum criteria for recognition as a national governing body, to include monitoring, coaching and leadership qualifications and safety guidance". You can read more of the latest news from Pembrokeshire here.
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