Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun and provides opportunities for discovery and adventure. Paddleboarders deaths on the river Cleddau. 2-hour course to introduce you to everything you need to know to get you SUPing. You may see kingfishers, otters and salmon on the river, which is an exciting prospect as you paddle along. 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. The SUP community is still working its way through the seven stages of grief, the first being shock and denial. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after the deaths of four stand-up paddle-boarders in Wales. 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According to the Dyfed-Powys police, two women and a . A statement from her work colleagues described her as an 'enthusiastic and dedicated' worker and said she was a gifted scientist. Police have said three people died in an accident on a river (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Archive) . 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 woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a paddleboarding incident in Wales last week in which four people died. Emergency services including 30 firefighters from Mid Wales fire and rescue were part of the operation, as well as the coastguard, RNLI and police helicopters. 2. The arrest comes as police confirm the fourth death, 41-year-old Andrea Powell, from Bridgend, who was taken to hospital after the incident. Five people who were rescued from the River Cleddau were uninjured. She was amazing in every way. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil, was part of a group of nine people on a weekend exploring the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest. Honestly, all deaths are freak accidents to the family and friends but in reality, death is a function of life. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. They belonged to a nine-member organized group that included two instructors. Police say man and two women got into difficulties on River Cleddau in south-west Wales. 'The whole ceremony was beautiful and a fitting way to remember those who have died.'. The beach is one of the longest in Wales, nearly 3 miles long. On Saturday morning, hundreds of people gathered in Port Talbot in memory of ODwyer. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. She was a specialist at the National Poisons Information service and gave advice to doctors treating patients who had been poisoned. News. He was just a genuine, lovely, lovely man.. Ms Williams said her son, who is a strong swimmer, was warned not to go in by people around him, but he said "I'm going anyway". Part of an organized outing, the group was reportedly part of the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co.Reports say the group 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. October 31, 2021 11:45 am. 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 . Tribute to paddleboarder after three die in river, Deaths after major river rescue operation in town, Ukrainian ministers killed in helicopter crash, Maximum two drinks a week, Canada guidance advises, US porn star declared unfit for sex crimes trial. The arrest comes as police confirm the fourth death, 41-year-old Andrea Powers, from Bridgend, who was taken to hospital after the incident. 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. If you stay long enough, youll be rewarded with one of the most incredible sunsets where the sky and ocean will turn red. One of the paddle boarders who was on the trip, Vickie Mckinven, from Milford Haven, said Mr O'Dwyer had died attempting to rescue two fellow paddleboarders who had got into difficulty near the weir. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, was. 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. 'The aim of the MAIB's preliminary assessment is to help with determining the way forward. "He gave the rope to a man and went in after the girl, he did CPR until the emergency services arrived.". Another person is in a critical condition in hospital. Yes! Here Is My Call To Action: The time is now to have real discussions and debate to challenge the status quo over river safety and decision making, especially when it comes to the new found interests in our rivers by paddle boarders and, more close to my interests, river surfers. 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/. 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. 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. River conditions at Haverfordwest Town Weir the day after the fatal paddleboarding accident, Press enquiries during office hours 01932 440015, Press enquiries out of hours 0300 7777878. We send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends and to those of the others who lost their lives. He was as calm as anything. Salty Dog clothing company said it was saying goodbye with 'a heavy heart', saying Mr O'Dwyer, from Port Talbot, would be missed greatly. 'She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.'. This happens with boaters all the time. TEAM GeoPark Adventure (Brendon Prince, Jon Harry and Matt Bettesworth) finished in first place, 1 hour ahead of the next team. 'He was always doing something, running 10ks and triathlons, surfing and skiing. I was on the pass that day. South Wales Paddle Boarders in Porthcawl Rest Bay For a long time, Rest Bay has been where surfers have flocked. A family member said: 'Nicola was a beautiful, caring, considerate and funny person. A much-loved area of Swansea, and its clear to see why. To ensure you enjoy the best experience, all of our coaches are trained and qualified WSA SUP instructors. She said: 'I am not surprised what he did but I am absolutely in awe. Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police added: "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. 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. 50 per person. This route has a lot to offer, especially if youre looking for that connection to nature. 2023 BBC. Our thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. Salty Dog Co, a watersports clothing shop, paid tribute toe Paul ODwyer, who is believed to be one of those who died. The suspect, who police said. A former soldier on a paddleboarding expedition died after trying to save two members of his group from the water. WALES NEWS SERVICE. . The weekend before the tragedy, Mr O'Dwyer had completed a dangerous 24-hour paddleboard marathon along a 100-mile stretch of the River Wye on the Welsh border. 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. Who was Ukrainian minister Denys Monastyrsky? However, enjoying a city break doesnt mean you have to miss out on an adventure. The group paddled out past the break for ten minutes before gathering in a circle to release flowers into the waves. 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. DR. UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch official report on the following link. But I have been around a lot of new extreme sports as they have come on to the scene and matured. Much respects go to people like Nicholas Zawadski who are trail blazers and dare to go for it and for all to aspire to be. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Subscribe to the City A.M. newsletter to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox. Focussed on community, fun, water safety and skills, they offer lessons and a way of meeting other like-minded water explorers. The group of nine were from different parts of south Wales and were on an annual tour, spending the weekend together. "We've always been proud of him," she added. Whole groups can blunder into the hydraulic. There are even a few pubs you can stop at along the way. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Now, the blue flag beach has an activity centre where you can hire wet suits and SUP equipment from Porthcawl Surf School. Our goal: to support and grow paddlesports and keep the sport's stoke alive. The accident is believed to be the worst paddle boarding accident in the history of the sport. Registered in England No. Around 80 surfers took to the waves with their boards for the 'swim out' as hundreds watched on from the beach. 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 A party of nine paddleboarders were on the river when the disaster struck in an incident which is being investigated by police. I watched the TV coverage as it happened, spotted the weir (lowhead dam) it is straight, flat and boxed in at either end nothing designed to break up a retentive flow. Shock and disbelief and very sad stories about the lost victims; but then, silence by the community, industry, and experts. She has been released under investigation.. . Then he saw a woman come past him floating on the water, he grabbed her and dragged her on to the slipway and did CPR until the emergency services got there. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil was. I am a Johny-come-lately to whitewater. However, like all water sports, those that buy or rent a paddleboard need to understand the risks. 'Nikki was an enthusiastic, dedicated and an incredibly capable colleague. Southerndown, also known as Dunraven Bay, is a sandy beach with some rocky areas. Now, the blue flag beach has an activity centre where you can hire wet suits and SUP equipment from Porthcawl Surf School. One of the paddleboarders who was on the trip, Vickie Mckinven from Milford Haven,. 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. Dyfed-Powys Police said the paddleboarding group had travelled from the south Wales area to the town for a paddleboarding excursion. What happened in the Ukraine helicopter crash? Its a great way to do some sightseeing, as youll pass bridges and Bute Park. 'His tick list also included the London Marathon, running a 100 mile race, numerous triathlons including Ironman Wales.'. 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. THE devastated family and friends of three people who died in a paddleboarding accident in Wales have spoken of their heartache. If you paddle west, you can reach Ogmore-by-Sea, but be careful around Nash Point as the currents are strong. Ex-Royal Engineer Mr O'Dwyer has been described as 'inspirational' and a dedicated charity fundraiser. We were like 'what'?'. Mumbles beach is ideal for paddling. Paul was a family man who loved the great outdoors and was in his prime. There are some superb locations to stand up paddleboard for all ages and abilities, including a national park, rivers, canals, lakes and coastlines. 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. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. No official updates or wide open discussions (besides comments in stories like this) heading into the 6th month since this horrendous SUP accident?!? His passion for the water started with Aberavon lifeguards from an early age. This month a rowing team Power of the River Worldwide Broadcast Premiere Sunday, Jan. 8 (Plus Streaming News), NRS Founder Bill Parks: What Ive Learned: Let the People Lead, NRS Celebrates 50th Anniversary: Were All Between Swims (Special PL Q&A with Mark Deming), Calling a Spade a Spade: A Review of Spades New Bliss Kayak, Conflicting Reports: Helmet-makers Chime in on Recent Virginia Tech Helmet Study, PL Whitewater Kayaking Essentials Sampler (with Vids! Liz Saville Roberts, leader of Plaid Cymru in Westminster, said on Saturday: 'The news emerging from the River Cleddau incident in Haverfordwest is distressing. Being a whitewater SUPer and seeing these accidents, its mostly been shock and what went wrong. The Welsh Ambulance Service also sent several ambulances to the scene and took the injured woman to nearby Withybush Hospital. Katrina Rohman is a Marketing Manager in the tourism industry and has over 15 years of expertise in the field. Our thoughts are with her family, and all those involved in this tragic incident. An inquest into the deaths of four paddleboarders who died after an . Saturday 6 November 2021 17:33, UK The Corps of the Royal Engineers tweeted a tribute to Mr O'Dwyer, adding he was a reservist with the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers until 2014. The event raised 4,500 for a heart screening charity in honour of five friends who died of undiagnosed heart problems. "A group of nine adults from the south Wales area had travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddle-boarding excursion. My thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy. ', '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. Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40 and Paul O'Dwyer, 42, died after fierce downpours lashed the River Cleddau in Pembrokeshire, Wales, on Saturday morning. The South Wales Paddle Boarding Club is the original and leading SUP club in Wales. A family spokesman said: 'Paul was a devoted husband, father, son and brother. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Flowers have been laid close to the scene of the drownings near Haverfordwest town centre. If youre looking for the perfect stand up paddleboarding spot, you will be spoilt for choice in Wales. The suspect, who police said comes from South Wales, has been released under investigation. This is not the first multiple fatality at a low head dams, saysCharlie Walbridge, longtimeAmerican Whitewater Accident Database Manager. His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Plus: Race Time Contest Winner! Plus, unique jumbo paddleboards allow 4-8 people to paddle together. The Activity Centres (Young Persons Safety) Act 1995 was introduced along with an independent licensing authority, the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) being formed. Lastly, to the paddle board community; dont let the grieving process blind you, and instead let the accidents of the UK and Idaho be moments of open discussion of self-reflection of how to be safer and then turn that into a teaching moments for us all. 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! 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. 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. A man and two women died at the. . And did so much to raise money for charities.. Did you discover any new locations for paddleboarding in South Wales? Bring your own kit, or hire what you need. 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. Blue flag beach has an activity centre where you can hire wet suits and SUP equipment from Porthcawl School... Lives that will never be filled. 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