Youll see many SUPs going around the lighthouse island with the tide, which is easily accessible from the beach. One person said to him 'you can't jump in', he said 'I am'. She was amazing in every way. Jump on our giant XXL inflatable SUP's, an 18ft long inflatable paddle board that's specifically designed for groups. He's lost a few friends from heart attacks and was raising money for other men to get screened. Whenever there was a charity event Paul would be the first one in fancy dress, he'd be the first one with a ra-ra skirt on. Following the incident on Cleddau River, Haverfordwest on Saturday 30/10 a woman from the South Wales area has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter as part of the investigation. The SUP community is still working its way through the seven stages of grief, the first being shock and denial. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! ', 'We had a phone call 20 minutes later from him saying he needed some dry clothes and a towel because he had just dragged a girl out the river. 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. Jun 2014. Just the mention on an arrest and no other update. Two fire service boats helped with bank and river searches, which also involved coastguard teams and helicopters. River conditions at Haverfordwest Town Weir the day after the fatal paddleboarding accident Summary At about 0900 on 30 October 2021, a group of nine stand up paddleboarders on a commercial river. The Activity Centres (Young Persons Safety) Act 1995 was introduced along with an independent licensing authority, the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) being formed. 'You'll be sorely missed by all, Brother.'. Though I can speak out, and will keep doing so despite those advise me otherwise (many who are my friends as well as those who really dont care for my input). It is not very deep, and there is no worry about tides, so the body of water has quickly become a popular paddleboarding location. Those involved are said to have been a part of the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, an organisation based in Port Talbot. One of the paddleboarders who was on the trip, Vickie Mckinven from Milford Haven,. Hundreds turned out to mourn the former soldier, with many taking to the water on paddleboards. Nicholas Zawadzkis death has been described as a freak accident. Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Margam Park Adventure is suitable for all abilities as long as you can swim! Whitewater safety experts stress the dangers of lowhead dams at all times when paddling, as the tragedy illustrates. In Pontypool, youll find Llandegfedd Reservoir. Neath Port Talbot councillor Matthew Crowley, who knew Mr O'Dwyer for most of his life, said: "Paul immersed so much of his time and energy into charities. Joel Williams, 20, was walking to the hairdressers at the time but "dived right in" when he saw the paddleboarders in trouble. It is also a top spot for paddleboarding, with its golden sandy beach. 8 December 2022 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.. She runs the website Real Girls Wobble, a multi-award-winning local travel and staycation blog. Condolences go out to the family, friends, river surfers who where there and made the valiant efforts for the rescue, and to all impacted I hope an official report of this incident is provided in a timely fashion so we can learn from it and speak openly and honestly to hopefully avoid future accidents like it. You cant put the blame on others. Around Swansea Bay and The Gower Peninsula, it is an easy, accessible and versatile way to experience the water. South Wales Paddle Boarders in Porthcawl Rest Bay For a long time, Rest Bay has been where surfers have flocked. If he had he would have realized it was a bad traverse line. These are the best places for groups seeking stand-up paddleboarding in South Wales: Big Blue Adventures; Llandegfedd Lake Visitor and Watersports Centre; Gower Activity Centres; See more stand-up paddleboarding for groups in South Wales on Tripadvisor Unfortunately for my Friend Chris he had not had the opportunity to be scared by avalanche classes prior to that day and was unfamiliar with the areas history of instability. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Floral tributes have been left at the side of the river, where the incident happened. "He loved all that helping people and raising a few pound for good, worthwhile causes in the community.". You can change your cookie settings at any time. Emergency services heard about problems on the river at Haverfordwest shortly after 9 . which supports veterans in the South Wales area. "Paul was the life and soul of the party," says Paul O'Dwyer's close friend. Yesterday police named the fourth person to die because of. For a long time, Rest Bay has been where surfers have flocked. Salty Dog Co, a watersports clothing shop, paid tribute toe Paul ODwyer, who is believed to be one of those who died. Multiple helicopters from the National Police Air Service, Coastguard and Wales Air Ambulance also assisted in the search. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after a paddleboarding incident on a river in Wales in which four people died. The paddleboarders were part of a group of nine from the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, based in Port Talbot, and came from across the region. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Around 80 surfers took to the waves with their boards for the 'swim out' as hundreds watched on from the beach. Focussed on community, fun, water safety and skills, they offer lessons and a way of meeting other like-minded water explorers. Read about our approach to external linking. Deeply saddened to hear of the deaths on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest. Friends said Mr O'Dwyer was an ardent lover of paddleboarding and would often spend his weekends out on the water. 2-hour course to introduce you to everything you need to know to get you SUPing. Close friend and policewoman Nerys Lloyd started the touching tribute today (Sat) as she walked to the sea alongside two children. 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. A woman who died in a paddle boarding accident on a river in west Wales had a "beautiful, kind and loving soul", her family have said. A man and two women died at the. As, the SUP community deals with the deaths of the four UK paddle boarders and the arrest of the organizer of the trip, the moment can not be lost on how to learn from the accident; for example, expanding eduction about low head dams, discussing trip planning and acknowledge all the factors impacting decision making (flow rates, river terrain/hazards, weather, & human factors), etc. 11:08 AM EDT, Sat November 6, 2021. Mr O'Dwyer, who described himself as a 'dedicated daddy' - was a regular paddleboarder based at Aberavon beach near his home and gave lessons with the Salty Dog Co surfshop. 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. Let's talk about Spade Kayak's 'Bliss'. Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun and provides opportunities for discovery and adventure. Nicola was a loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife. Families clapped as the surfers entered the water at Aberavon Beach in Port Talbot, South Wales, carrying flowers. According to local reports, a group of nine people from different areas across South Wales were participating in an annual tour, spending the weekend together exploring the river. 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. ), https://www.wildsnow.com/9980/sheep-creek-avalanche-site-visit/, What a package! Peace, David Riordon, president Colorado River Surfing Association, Lou Dawsons article: SITE VISIT SHEEP CREEK AVALANCHE NEAR LOVELAND PASS 4/6/2013 https://www.wildsnow.com/9980/sheep-creek-avalanche-site-visit/. Clare Rutter, paddle boarding instructor and member of South Wales Paddleboarders, said "the main thing is always tell somebody your plans" when going out on excursions. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, was. Published 'His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. 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. Thank you to the emergency services and everyone who tried to assist with the rescue efforts. ', 'He's fine. THE devastated family and friends of three people who died in a paddleboarding accident in Wales have spoken of their heartache. A further five people were pulled out of the river River Cleddau in Haverfordwest by emergency services but had no injuries. AquaBound Releases Norway: A Kayakers Playground Video, Holiday Gift Guide for Paddlers from Mustang Survival. The five other participants on the trip were rescued unharmed. She will be sadly missed by her mother, father, Rhys, Harry, Holly and Katy. They were part of a group of nine from the South Wales Paddle. On completion you will receive a Ready to Ride certificate. One of the members, Vickie McKinven from Milford Haven, said: Absolutely heartbreaking, [they were] all good friends. Tighten up your mukluks. Please, The subscription details associated with this account need to be updated. As a G5 WW kayaker and BCU WW coach/leader I had been watching the rainfall as we had a novices trip the same Sunday, we had a months rainfall in 24hrs, the rivers were out of their banks all over SW England and where this happened in Wales is probably 100 miles in a straight line. More than 20 police officers, as well as 30 firefighters from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, including specialist water rescue technicians, were involved in the rescue. Stand up paddleboarding is probably the fastest growing UK water sport, with participation in recent years growing by nearly 300%. Perfect for all, families & friends. The first of two women who died in the paddle boarding accident had a "beautiful, kind and loving soul", her family have said. Andrea Powell, 41, died in hospital surrounded by her family after being pulled from the water in Pembrokeshire last Saturday. 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. She has been released under investigation.. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. 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. Her friends said she was passionate about paddleboarding as well as walking the Brecon Beacons with her beloved dog. Our thoughts are with her family, and all those involved in this tragic incident. Ex-Royal Engineer Mr O'Dwyer has been described as 'inspirational' and a dedicated charity fundraiser. The arrest comes as police confirm the fourth death, 41-year-old Andrea Powers, from Bridgend, who was taken to hospital after the incident. Passerby Joel Williams, 20, jumped into the river after seeing people in distress after coming off their paddleboards before giving one person CPR. 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. Police said the river was. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Pontardulais, Swansea, and Paul ODwyer, 42, from Sandfields, Port Talbot also died. Southerndown, also known as Dunraven Bay, is a sandy beach with some rocky areas. The River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, where the incident occurred last Saturday. Andrea Powell, 41, from the Bridgend area who was in hospital following the incident on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest on October 30, was named by police as the fourth victim to die. The incident on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest left two women and a man, Paul O'Dwyer, dead. We are supporting her family, and would ask for their privacy to be respected at this very difficult time, the statement said about Powell. Im not in the UK so I can not and will not opine on the legal actions However, I find it more concerning that this accident is just fading away and not used for thorough insight on how to avoid other river accidents. Mr O'Dwyer was also a member of the Aberavon Green Stars RFC. 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. Meet Our Latest Paddling Life Sweepstakes Winner! Her mother Teresa Hall posted on Facebook: 'My beautiful daughter Morgan, taken too young. Its our new and exciting activity for 2020/21. Heavy rain had caused river levels to rise and become more dangerous. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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Three paddleboarders have died in south-west Wales after getting into difficulty on a river. 8 Inflatable SUPs to Get You On the Water in Style, Jackson Kayak Introduces The Knarr Big Water Fishing Kayak, Mustang Survivals Live Beyond Land Vid Showcases Kayak Angler Annie Nagel, Longtime Industry Vet Kelley Woolsey Joins Hobie, New Oscar Chalupsky Book: No Retreat, No Surrender, Thought Soup (and Other Games Paddlers Play on a Long Expedition), Plastic Tides: Using Sea Kayaks to Help Rid the Ocean of Waste, Holy Eye Candy! If youre looking for the perfect stand up paddleboarding spot, you will be spoilt for choice in Wales. The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations. Home Where To Go Paddleboarding in South Wales. She has been released under investigation. Our goal: to support and grow paddlesports and keep the sport's stoke alive. The water sport has really taken off in the last few years. Ms Wheatley, who worked as a specialist in poisons information with the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS), was described by her family as loving mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and wife. Cardiff International White Water is a watersports centre. Another is in a critical condition and being treated at the towns Withybush hospital, according to Dyfed-Powys police. The Gower Peninsula is home to some of the best beaches in Wales. Fortunately soon after the Loveland Pass avalanche deaths, one expert dared to speak up and provide analysis of the causes of the deaths that could be used as teaching points to avoid future similar accidents. The Corps is sorry to learn of the death at the weekend of Paul ODwyer. 2. Welsh Tourist Board. 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. Stopping and portaging above unrunnable drops becomes very difficult. She said: 'I am not surprised what he did but I am absolutely in awe. Who was Ukrainian minister Denys Monastyrsky? Yesterday the river surfing community lost a 17 year old river surfer due to some sort of hold down/entrapment at the Bend, OR river wave. You do also need to be a member of a water sports club. Appreciate that call to action, David. 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. Nothing to be learned from the incident for fear of any discussion of what happened would be taken as some sort of disrespect to the victims, families, friends, community, and oddly enough seen as an attack and risk to the industry and activity. A former soldier on a paddleboarding expedition died after trying to save two members of his group from the water. 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