In October 2021, four individuals tragically lost their lives during a paddleboarding tour on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Wales. The tour was organised by Nerys Bethan Lloyd, a 39-year-old former police officer and owner of Salty Dog Co Ltd. Despite severe weather warnings and hazardous river conditions, Lloyd proceeded with the activity, leading the group near a dangerous weir without any safety measures nor any form of planning.
The Outcome
The victims—Morgan Rogers (24), Nicola Wheatley (40), Andrea Powell (41), and co-instructor Paul O’Dwyer (42)—were swept over the weir and drowned. Investigations revealed that Lloyd lacked the necessary qualifications to lead such a tour and failed to conduct proper risk assessments or provide essential safety equipment. She had also ignored suggestions to choose a safer route.
In March, Lloyd pleaded guilty to four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and a health and safety violation. Today, she was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison at Swansea Crown Court. The case has been described as the UK’s worst paddleboarding tragedy and underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in outdoor activities.
Key Takeaways:
- Weather and Water Monitoring: Never underestimate the force of nature. Formal risk assessments must include weather warnings and river conditions.
- Informed Decision-Making: Leading groups into dangerous environments, knowingly or otherwise, is a breach of duty. Always default to caution.
- Emergency Preparedness: Equip staff with training for emergencies, including awareness of river features like weirs and hydraulic traps.
- Legal Accountability: This case sets a stark precedent—gross negligence resulting in fatalities will lead to serious legal consequences.
HSE Statement:
Health and Safety Executive inspector Helen Turner has expressed her sympathies to the victims’ families as she calls Nerys Lloyd’s decision to enter the water “completely reckless”.
“The victims placed their trust in Lloyd to deliver a safe and enjoyable paddle, but through her incompetence, carelessness and complacency she failed to plan or assess the obvious risk at the weir or to take even basic safety measures,” she adds.
“By not discussing the hazards on the route Lloyd robbed the participants of the opportunity to make a reasoned decision on their own participation on the day.”
Turner also underlines that health and safety is “not a barrier” preventing adventurous activities but says that organisers must take “proportionate action” in the face of risks.
