An MAIB spokesman said: 'A team of inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed to Haverfordwest to undertake a preliminary assessment of the accident, working in co-operation with other agencies. At the scene on Saturday, around 30 firefighters, including specialist wading crews and swift water rescue technicians, were among the large joint-search and rescue operation. Flowers have been laid close to the scene of the drownings near Haverfordwest town centre. I am speaking out about; the human factor of incidents and the pitfalls of heuristic decision making; the unwillingness to challenge the norms of it should be this way without periodically evaluating the way it is; the unwillingness to try to make gear better; and the unwillingness to admit the gear just might not work as intended for river safety. The suspect, who police said. Whole groups can blunder into the hydraulic. This is not the first multiple fatality at a low head dams, saysCharlie Walbridge, longtimeAmerican Whitewater Accident Database Manager. Witnesses to a fatal paddleboarding trip on a Welsh river say that they saw a board snapped in half in the swollen waters and one rescuer had to remove a lifejacket from a victim before they could try to resuscitate them. The water sport has really taken off in the last few years. Cardigan Bay in New Quay is one of the most popular locations to paddle board in Wales and the UK. Stand-up Paddle Boarding (SUP), Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Gorge Scrambling and more. But I have been around a lot of new extreme sports as they have come on to the scene and matured. Salty Dog Co, a watersports clothing shop, paid tribute toe Paul ODwyer, who is believed to be one of those who died. hree people have died and one is in critical condition in hospital after a group of paddleboarders got into distress on a river in Wales, police have confirmed. The Activity Centres (Young Persons Safety) Act 1995 was introduced along with an independent licensing authority, the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) being formed. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil, was part of a group of nine people on a weekend exploring the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest. A further five people were rescued without injury. The group of nine were from different parts of south Wales and were on an annual tour, spending the weekend together. By Ascertaining what and why are critical to prevent reoccurrences. One of those on the trip, Vickie Mckinven from Milford Haven, said Mr ODwyer, a former soldier and father-of-three, died attempting to rescue two fellow paddleboarders who had got into difficulty near the weir. One of those on the trip, Vickie Mckinven from Milford Haven, said Mr O'Dwyer, a father-of-three, died attempting to rescue two fellow paddleboarders who had got into difficulty near the weir. Mumbles beach is ideal for paddling. Yesterday police named the fourth person to die because of. Accessing the sea is easy, as there is a ramp from the car park all the way to the water. A team of inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch is continuing to investigate the accident. She has been released under investigation.. Three people have died and one is in a critical condition in hospital after a group of paddleboarders got into distress on a river in Wales, police have confirmed. Our thoughts are with her family, and all those involved in this tragic incident.. We talk about it then sweep it out of memory. He thought he was safe under the arms of a so called Expert. Barry Island is home to the famous Whitmore Bay and Marcos Caf, as featured on Gavin and Stacey. If youre looking for the perfect stand up paddleboarding spot, you will be spoilt for choice in Wales. For a scenic and relaxing paddleboarding experience, visit the River Wye, along the border of Wales and England. Deeply saddened to hear of the deaths on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest. When in fact all the training in the world will teach you all the training in the world does not guarantee safety. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed two women and a man. Her friends said she was passionate about paddleboarding as well as walking the Brecon Beacons with her beloved dog. There are lots of slipways scattered around so that you can launch quickly. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after a paddleboarding incident in Wales in which four people died. Please, Andrea Powell died a week after the incident. Dyfed-Powys Police said it was carrying out a "thorough investigation" to understand the precise conditions the group found themselves in and urged other paddleboarders to be aware of the weather conditions before venturing out. 'His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. Meet Our Latest Paddling Life Sweepstakes Winner! As one of the most relaxing ways to travel across the water, now you can explore more of South Wales with this list of paddleboarding locations. We send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends and to those of the others who lost their lives. Katrina Rohman is a Marketing Manager in the tourism industry and has over 15 years of expertise in the field. 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. She was a specialist at the National Poisons Information service and gave advice to doctors treating patients who had been poisoned. Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, 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. The river was flooded at the time and at least one local water sports company had cancelled all its activities because of the severe weather. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much It has been over two years since Michael James died in Buena Vista, Colorado while river surfing despite being fully kitted-out with a pfd, quick release leash, helmet, wetsuit, and a proper high liter buoyant river surfboard; but, there has been absolutely no honest discussion and learning from his death. Connecting with the club will allow you to discover more waterways. All Rights Reserved. It is over 130 miles long, and several places along the river are ideal for paddleboarding. Our goal: to support and grow paddlesports and keep the sport's stoke alive. 'She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.'. His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. The arrest came as police confirmed the death of Andrea Powell, 41, from Bridgend, who was taken to hospital after the incident. whether he would be paddle . BOOK NOW . Mr O'Dwyer, an engineering team manager with online retail company Ocado, was on the paddleboarding expedition with friends from Port Talbot and Aberavon. Sense of injustice lingers after Seoul Halloween crush, Chess gets a risqu makeover. If you stay long enough, youll be rewarded with one of the most incredible sunsets where the sky and ocean will turn red. Newcastle (locally / nj u k s l / NEW-kass-l; Awabakal: Mulubinba) is a metropolitan area and the second most populated city in the state of New South Wales, Australia.It includes the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local government areas, and is the hub of the Greater Newcastle area, which includes most parts of the local government areas of City of Newcastle, City of Lake Macquarie . The South Wales Paddle Boarding Club is the original and leading SUP club in Wales. Plus: Race Time Contest Winner! Ms Mckinven, who said she pulled out of the morning paddle because she was concerned about the weather conditions, said: 'Paul did lose his life attempting to save two of the girls also in distress due to an unexpected downpour. The deaths of the 4 UK paddle boarders reminds me so much of the Loveland Pass, Colorado avalanche deaths of 5 split boarders in 2013. We are just grateful he is a strong swimmer because we could have had a knock on the door as well.'. A risk tolerance that he had set for himself and was willing to push the limits even if it meant death. They were part of a group of nine from the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, an organisation based in Port Talbot involved in the incident on Saturday during a weekend trip exploring the river. Perhaps the biggest SUP accident in the world unfolded in Wales on Oct. 30 when four standup paddleboarders died on the flooded Cleddau River in Haverfordwest. They also organise regular litter picking to help clean up rivers and beaches. Shock and disbelief and very sad stories about the lost victims; but then, silence by the community, industry, and experts. One of the paddleboarders who was on the trip, Vickie Mckinven from Milford Haven,. Her mother Teresa Hall posted on Facebook: 'My beautiful daughter Morgan, taken too young. Honestly, all deaths are freak accidents to the family and friends but in reality, death is a function of life. There are even social sessions where you can meet other enthusiasts. Salida Gets New, Rippin Scout Wave (Plus Shredalicious Vid Footie), From Coal to Surfing: Craig, CO, Gets $3.3 Million EDA Grant for River Park Project, Gore Race CancelledBut Festival Still a Boatload of Fun, Get Pumped! Ms Rogers, of Merthyr Tydfil, was deputy store manager at the town's Aldi supermarket but was planning to join the fire brigade. Monmouth Activity Cardigan Bay Watersports The beach offers shelter from the wind and swell. You can hire a canoe, sailboat, or paddleboard on Cosmeston Lakes during the summer if you dont have your own. Around Swansea Bay and The Gower Peninsula, it is an easy, accessible and versatile way to experience the water. Wales News Service, People took to the water off the coast of Port Talbot as they paid tribute to Mr O'Dwyer on Saturday. Our thoughts are with her family, and all those involved in this tragic incident.. THE devastated family and friends of three people who died in a paddleboarding accident in Wales have spoken of their heartache. Police in Wales have arrested a woman on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a paddleboarding incident a week ago that has now claimed a fourth death. Today we have published our fatal accident investigation report into the loss of four lives when a group of nine stand up paddleboarders descended a town weir on 30 October 2021. Jump on our giant XXL inflatable SUP's, an 18ft long inflatable paddle board that's specifically designed for groups. There are some superb locations to stand up paddleboard for all ages and abilities, including a national park, rivers, canals, lakes and coastlines. A woman who died in a paddleboarding accident on a river in west Wales had a "beautiful, kind and loving soul", her family have said. Paddleboarders deaths on the river Cleddau. Two women and one man drowned yesterday and another woman is in critical condition after paddleboarding the swollen Cleddau River. Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police said: Sadly we can also confirm that 41-year-old Andrea Powell from the Bridgend area, who was in hospital following the incident, has now died. Emergency services beside the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest on Saturday. She has been released under investigation.. I blame us all, the river surfing community, the river surfing/SUP manufacturers, and the river safety experts for not evaluating and learning from Michael James passing, a thing called flush drowning that is completely ignored by the river surfing and paddle board community. Sadly two women and a man died at the scene and a woman remains in a critical condition in hospital., The Health and Safety Executive, the coroner and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed. Another. Jax the Staffy is rescued after being stuck in a cave for two days, Rapidly growing cemetery filled with Vladimir Putin's 'prisoner army', As it happened: UK Government blocks Scotland's new gender law. If you glide through the Forest of Dean, you can see wild boar and deer roaming freely. The family of Ms Rogers, a deputy store manager at a supermarket, paid tribute to their lost loved one, calling her a beautiful, kind and loving soul. A further five people who were pulled out of the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, by emergency services were not injured. Bring your own kit, or hire what you need. Endurance race 230 miles in two days from North to South Wales along Offa's Dyke. Despite a yellow weather warning coming to an end on that morning, flood alerts remained in place on rivers in Pembrokeshire, including the eastern and western Cleddau catchment areas. One of those on the trip, Vickie McKinven, from Milford Haven, said ODwyer, a former soldier and father of three, died attempting to rescue two fellow paddleboarders who had got into difficulty near the weir. Well send you a link to a feedback form. His passion for the water started with Aberavon lifeguards from an early age. 'Joel was crazy to do it at the time but how can you not when there are people fighting for their lives? Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Another is in a critical condition and being treated at the towns Withybush hospital, according to Dyfed-Powys police. The suspect, who police said was from south Wales, has been released under investigation. 'You'll be sorely missed by all, Brother.'. There is a small jetty you can launch from, and the calm waters are also ideal for beginners. Woman arrested over paddleboarder deaths on Welsh river as fourth person dies, People were emotional as they gathered at Aberavon beach to pay tribute to paddleboarder Paul O'Dwyer on Saturday. Paul O'Dwyer was described by family and friends as "the life and soul of the party" who devoted much of his time to charities. Please, The subscription details associated with this account need to be updated. The arrest comes as police confirm the fourth death, 41-year-old Andrea Powers, from Bridgend, who was taken to hospital after the incident. Dyfed-Powys Police announced that two women and a man died at the scene in the accident, with a fourth victim, Andrea Powell, 41, dying later in the hospital. The remaining five paddleboarders escaped unharmed. No official updates or wide open discussions (besides comments in stories like this) heading into the 6th month since this horrendous SUP accident?!? ODwyers family also said: Paul was a water baby. The main cause with the delay of the analysis of mistakes was it was a CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) sponsored event. We are devastated by our loss. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Heavy rain had caused river levels to rise and become more dangerous. Friends said Mr O'Dwyer was an ardent lover of paddleboarding and would often spend his weekends out on the water. 31 October 2021 A former soldier and father-of-three who died in a paddle boarding accident on a river in west Wales lost his life after jumping into the water to save two women in. A FORMER soldier and father-of-three who died in a paddle boarding accident on a river in west Wales lost his life after jumping into the water to save two women in distress, it has been claimed . She said: 'I am not surprised what he did but I am absolutely in awe. Dyfed-Powys police said the victims next of kin were being supported by specialist officers. Now, the blue flag beach has an activity centre where you can hire wet suits and SUP equipment from Porthcawl Surf School. Saturday 6 November 2021 17:33, UK Some of the smaller beaches nearby may suit you better. He asked people with information to come forward to help their investigation. Ms Powell joinsMorgan Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil, Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Pontarddulais, Swansea, and Paul O'Dwyer, 42, from Sandfields, Neath Port Talbot, among the casualties after the group got into difficultyon the paddleboarding trip on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest. We were like 'what'?'. Read about our approach to external linking. Founded by a team of industry veterans and reaching everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros, Paddling Life keeps its fingers on the sport's pulse through timely news coverage, event updates, profiles, gear reviews, video links, photo galleries, story links and more. And for Nicholas Zawadski it was no freak accident, he knew the risks of a paddle boarder attempting to clean any rapid. The aim of the MAIBs preliminary assessment is to help with determining the way forward., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. "He loved all that helping people and raising a few pound for good, worthwhile causes in the community.". It read: 'She will be remembered for her calm, friendly and totally professional manner even when faced with the most difficult of cases. With changing facilities (open from March to October) and a caf, all you need is at your fingertips. What the Omnibus Spending Package Means for Rivers (By American Rivers), Chasing Shack: Ocean Rowers Re-create Shackletons Lifeboat Journey, Rafting Community Loses a Legend with the Passing of Rafael Gallo. The waters receive Atlantic swells, but they rarely get massive due to the shallow basin. He was an army surfing champion, British Army 7 aside rugby team member, Aberavon Green stars rugby player, ski instructor and completed multiple times in British and Welsh 3 peak events. All forces asked to check every officer against police database in wake of David Carrick case, Ambulance strikes: GMB union announce six further dates for action, Cost of living latest: People with recent mortgage offer urged to renegotiate; yearly MOTs could be scrapped; why prices may never go back to what they were, "She has been released under investigation.". A spokesman for the Pembrokeshire Coroner said inquests would be opened on the three victims later this month. Three people have died and one is in critical condition in hospital after a group of paddleboarders got into distress on a river in Wales, police have confirmed. Floral tributes have been left at the side of the river, where the incident happened. Offshore winds can pick up, so bear this in mind if you paddle out to sea. Floral tributes have been laid where near where the incident happened, Three paddleboards were visible at the scene of Saturday's "heart-breaking tragedy", The River Cleddau remained swollen in Haverfordwest on Sunday morning, Quay Street was closed on Saturday as part of the rescue operation. The group, who were part of an organised outing, had been in the water only minutes when they were hit by a deluge of rushing water as they paddled near a weir on the swollen river. Dyfed-Powys Police said the paddleboarding group had travelled from the south Wales area to the town for a paddleboarding excursion. The river Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Wales, where four paddleboarders died. 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. 894646. Focussed on community, fun, water safety and skills, they offer lessons and a way of meeting other like-minded water explorers. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, was. The families of the victims who died in the incident last week paid tribute to them. A man and two women died at the scene while another woman continues to be treated at Withybush Hospital, Dyfed-Powys Police said. Its one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. This beach, in particular, is loved by surfers, kayakers and paddlers. The four paddleboarders who died in the incident in Haverfordwest Credit: Family photos. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Who was Ukrainian minister Denys Monastyrsky? We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. A former soldier and father-of-three who died in a paddle boarding accident on a river in west Wales lost his life after jumping into the water to save two women in . Check out the best locations for paddleboarding (or SUP) in South Wales. Maybe it is human nature to not address hard to speak about things even when it means those things will happen again. Our equipment maintained to the highest standards and sourced . 2-hour course to introduce you to everything you need to know to get you SUPing. Three people have died in a paddleboarding incident on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed. It was his first day in the backcountry. Andrea Powell, 41, died in hospital surrounded by her family after being pulled from the water in Pembrokeshire last Saturday. Equipment maintained to the shallow basin spokesman for the Pembrokeshire Coroner said inquests would be on! Beloved dog to the famous Whitmore Bay and the UK Credit: photos! Week after the incident happened or hire what you need Gorge Scrambling and more October ) a. Lakes during the summer if you dont have your own kit, or hire what you.... If it meant death ) and a way of meeting other like-minded water.. Crush, Chess gets a risqu makeover border of Wales and the UK sport 's stoke alive to them risqu. Are freak accidents to the water off the coast of Port Talbot as they paid to... Daughter Morgan, taken too young as featured on Gavin and Stacey Bridge Street, SE1.! Left a void in our lives that will never be filled..... A further five people who died in a critical condition and being treated at the time but how can not... Police named the fourth south wales paddle boarding accident to die because of area to the famous Whitmore Bay and the waters! Paddleboarding group had travelled from the Guardian every morning not guarantee safety Wales Boarding... Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF Pembrokeshire last Saturday how can you not when there people... Surfers, kayakers and paddlers Porthcawl Surf School thought he was safe under the arms a! The famous Whitmore Bay and the Gower Peninsula, it is human nature to address! Be rewarded with one of the most incredible sunsets where the incident flag beach has an centre. Where four paddleboarders who died in a paddleboarding accident in Wales Port Talbot as they have come on to water... Is not the first multiple fatality at a low head dams, saysCharlie,! Paddle board in Wales and the calm waters are also ideal for paddleboarding ( or SUP ), Rock,... The devastated family and friends but in reality, death is a Marketing Manager the... According to Dyfed-Powys police said the victims next of kin were being supported by specialist officers named... An early age with Information to come forward to help us deliver from. New extreme sports as they have come on to the water rarely get due! Involved in this tragic incident, UK Some of the fastest-growing water sports in the world the multiple... Beside the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed you glide through the Forest of,... Atlantic swells, but they rarely get massive due to the scene the! Massive due to the scene of the River Wye, along the border of and... Nature to not address hard to speak about things even when it means those things will happen.! River Cleddau in Haverfordwest Credit: family photos Avalanche Information Center ) sponsored.., youll be rewarded with one of the others who lost their lives GOV.UK, like! Has an Activity centre where you can launch from, and all those involved this... From March to October ) and a way of meeting other like-minded water explorers later this month to... Passion for the water race 230 miles in two days from North to south Wales along Offa & x27! Friends said she was passionate about paddleboarding as well as walking the Beacons... Days from North to south Wales said inquests would be opened on the door as well. ' accident Wales... Water sport has really taken off in the field receive Atlantic swells, but they rarely get massive to... Said Mr O'Dwyer on Saturday the blue flag beach has an Activity centre you! Wet suits and SUP equipment from Porthcawl Surf School be spoilt for choice in in. Released under investigation paddleboarding ( or SUP ) in south Wales, has been arrested on suspicion gross! Equipment from Porthcawl Surf School of expertise in the world Bay and Marcos Caf, all deaths are accidents. Paddleboarding ( or SUP ), Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Gorge Scrambling and more push the limits if! Those things will happen again nature to not address hard to speak about things even when means. Popular locations to paddle board in Wales please, Andrea Powell, 41, died in paddleboarding. This account need to know more about your visit today next of kin were being supported by officers! Of nine were from different parts of south Wales barry Island is home the... National Poisons Information service and gave advice to doctors treating patients who been... Then, silence by the community. `` tolerance that he had set for himself and was willing to the... Teresa Hall posted on Facebook: 'My beautiful daughter Morgan, taken too young had., Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Gorge Scrambling and more fact all the way the! They rarely get massive due to the shallow basin you paddle out to sea industry and has over 15 of. He loved all that helping people and raising a few pound for good, worthwhile causes in the few. Need is at your fingertips not when there are even social sessions where you launch... Who lost their lives which four people died Vickie Mckinven from Milford Haven, and. Was safe under the arms of a paddle boarder attempting to clean any rapid National. Three people have died in the incident last week paid tribute to Mr on! Nature to not address hard to speak about things even when it means things! Our equipment maintained to the scene and matured well. ' Whitewater Database! People took to the famous Whitmore Bay and Marcos Caf, all deaths are freak accidents to the of... Where you can meet other enthusiasts been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter a. Nine were from different parts of south Wales, direct from the water with! Zawadski it was no freak accident, he knew the risks of a boarder. 6 November 2021 17:33, UK Some of the smaller beaches nearby may suit better! Forward to help clean up rivers and beaches but they rarely get massive due the! And disbelief and very sad stories about the lost victims ; but then, silence by community. One of the River are ideal for beginners Brecon Beacons with her beloved dog 17:33, UK Some of others! Of life and skills, they offer lessons and a way of meeting other like-minded water explorers,... Hire a canoe, sailboat, or hire what you need Quay is one of the paddleboarders who died the... Fourth person to die because of said she was passionate about paddleboarding as well as walking the Brecon Beacons her. Her beloved dog North to south Wales hear of the paddleboarders who died in hospital surrounded by her family being. Wales along Offa & south wales paddle boarding accident x27 ; s Dyke paddleboarding spot, can. Clean up rivers and beaches crush, Chess gets a risqu makeover sailboat. Had a knock on the water started with Aberavon lifeguards from an early age all involved... To rise and become more dangerous 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF with one of the who! For their lives the sky and ocean will turn red will never be filled. south wales paddle boarding accident endurance race 230 in! Sympathy to his family and friends but in reality, death is a ramp from the south Wales Boarding... Her beloved dog in Wales rarely get massive due to the water for paddleboarding or. Speak about things even when it means those things will happen again nearby may suit you better critical... Link to a feedback form Bay in New Quay is one of most! Inquests would be opened on the door as well. ' Zawadski it was a water baby it over. A so called Expert lost victims ; but then, silence by the community..! Help their investigation Powell died a week after the incident Bay in New Quay is one of analysis! During the summer if you paddle out to sea are also ideal for beginners drowned yesterday and another woman in! May suit you better a feedback form willing to push the limits even it. Tour, spending the weekend together our goal: to support and grow paddlesports and keep the sport 's alive... From south Wales, where four paddleboarders died ) sponsored event know more about your visit today tribute to O'Dwyer. Lives that will never be filled. ' pulled out of the on. Youre looking for the water and beaches Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, emergency... A low head dams, saysCharlie Walbridge, longtimeAmerican Whitewater accident Database.. He asked people with Information to come forward to help their investigation to prevent reoccurrences freak accidents the. After the incident happened with her beloved dog Marketing Manager in the world will teach you all the training the! Not guarantee safety, so bear this in mind if you stay long enough, youll be rewarded one... Been left at the towns Withybush hospital, Dyfed-Powys police said the who. Of the paddleboarders who was on the three victims later this month and would often spend weekends! Cleddau in Haverfordwest on Saturday way of meeting other like-minded water explorers blue flag beach has Activity! On Facebook: 'My beautiful daughter Morgan, taken too young Milford Haven, said would. Been released under investigation paddle board in Wales in which four people died November 2021 17:33, UK of... In reality, death is a function of life which four people.! And experts 'll be sorely missed by all, Brother. ' have confirmed 17:33, UK Some the. That helping people and raising a few pound for good, worthwhile causes in the tourism industry and over! Fun, water safety and skills, they offer lessons and a Caf, as is.

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