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. A friend in a paddleboarding group said Paul O'Dwyera former soldier and. Instructor and father-of-three Mr O'Dwyer was been praised for his bravery and described as 'an incredible man in every way' for jumping into the raging water to save the women. 'The aim of the MAIB's preliminary assessment is to help with determining the way forward. Parts of the centre of Haverfordwest were shut off until the afternoon while a search took place. If you stay long enough, youll be rewarded with one of the most incredible sunsets where the sky and ocean will turn red. Dyfed-Powys police said: 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. Joel Williams, 20, was walking to the hairdressers at the time but "dived right in" when he saw the paddleboarders in trouble. Police say man and two women got into difficulties on River Cleddau in south-west Wales. 'Joel was crazy to do it at the time but how can you not when there are people fighting for their lives? 'God speed the emergency services and support the families.'. Marine Accident and Investigation Branch inspectors have been deployed to conduct a preliminary assessment. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. From left to right: Morgan Rogers, Nicola Wheatley and Paul ODwyer. Her friends said she was passionate about paddleboarding as well as walking the Brecon Beacons with her beloved dog. Hed be like your corny uncle in the corner, with his corny jokes. Honestly, all deaths are freak accidents to the family and friends but in reality, death is a function of life. . Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Margam Park Adventure is suitable for all abilities as long as you can swim! That incident was more human error than anything, but you have to know the risk you are taking when you step out in the extremes. I'm heartbroken. Onlooker Caroline Brown, 41, said: 'It was really emotional to see how many people had come along. But the SUP community, the river enthusiasts, and the public at large needs learn from what happened to Nicholas Zawadski. Multiple helicopters from the National Police Air Service, Coastguard and Wales Air Ambulance also assisted in the search. 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. One person said to him 'you can't jump in', he said 'I am'. However, it does get swamped, especially when the weather is good. 'He tried to get to the man by using the rope but could not. Maybe it is human nature to not address hard to speak about things even when it means those things will happen again. Margam Park's pond is the perfect location to learn as it is very sheltered, meaning no waves or swell making it that little easier to get to your feet if you do manage to end up in the water! People were trying to help. He also organised an event in September that raised more than 2,000 for the RNLI and a local lifeguard club. A further five people were pulled out of the river River Cleddau in Haverfordwest by emergency services but had no injuries. TEAM GeoPark Adventure (Brendon Prince, Jon Harry and Matt Bettesworth) finished in first place, 1 hour ahead of the next team. Focussed on community, fun, water safety and skills, they offer lessons and a way of meeting other like-minded water explorers. I am a Johny-come-lately to whitewater. Three people have died in a paddleboarding incident on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed. A woman has become the fourth person to die in a horror paddleboard tragedy after succumbing to her injuries a week on from the fateful trip. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after a paddleboarding incident in Wales in which four people died. Recently there was the death of Nicholas Zawadzki, a well known and respected down river paddle boarder who died running a stretch of a river in Idaho he had run 100s of times before. "Paul was the life and soul of the party," says Paul O'Dwyer's close friend. Four lives lost during a commerical stand up paddleboard tour accident at Haverfordwest Town Weir on the River Cleddau in Wales. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. October 31, 2021, 11:22 AM. 50 per person. We talk about it then sweep it out of memory. I am challenging the river surfing community to openly discus flush drowning and how to improve the safety of the river surfing beyond pointing blame. "He gave the rope to a man and went in after the girl, he did CPR until the emergency services arrived.". 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. He's lost a few friends from heart attacks and was raising money for other men to get screened. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. But first, let's talk about Spade Kayaks. She was our 'go to' person for organising projects and campaigns. During the event, surfers from Aberavon surf club, many of who were his close friends, took to the water despite the choppy sea. The river Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Wales, where four paddleboarders died. Read about our approach to external linking. A lovely human being taken too soon. Liz Saville Roberts, leader of Plaid Cymru in Westminster, said on Saturday: 'The news emerging from the River Cleddau incident in Haverfordwest is distressing. Another woman is in hospital, in a critical condition. Found in Penarth Marina, Cardiff Bay is the South Wales Paddle Boarding Club founded 13 years ago. 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. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. To start, someone needs to correct the American Whitewater accident database on his cause of death as flush downing when it was actually a full body pin at the spot he was last seen on his paddle board. All Rights Reserved. On his Twitter page, Mr O'Dwyer described himself as 'entrepreneur, electrical engineer, surfing mad, skiing and snowboard enthusiast. If he had he would have realized it was a bad traverse line. Is it time Harry & Meghan accept Clarkson's apology and move on? Meanwhile friends of the victims held a memorial paddleboard event at Aberavon Beach this morning in an emotional tribute. 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. Perfect for all, families & friends. Police said the woman who had been arrested on Friday as part of the investigation has been released under investigation.. 'His tick list also included the London Marathon, running a 100 mile race, numerous triathlons including Ironman Wales.'. He and two women died, and another woman is critically ill, after the group got into difficulty on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on Saturday morning. 'His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. The accident is believed to be the worst paddle boarding accident in the history of the sport. 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. The visitor centre offers a variety of courses and private tuition. Saturday 6 November 2021 17:33, UK A Welsh woman was arrested this afternoon on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after a paddleboarding incident on a river in Wales in which four people died. Stopping and portaging above unrunnable drops becomes very difficult. He devoted his life to contributing to society in his many adventures in raising money for different causes. An inquest into the deaths of four paddleboarders who died after an . This happens with boaters all the time. Not to stop from running rivers but to do it knowing what the hazard was and how to avoid the hazard or at least mitigate the hazard with new learned skill sets. Flowers have been laid close to the scene of the drownings near Haverfordwest town centre. Paul O'Dwyer was pronounced dead on the banks of the Cleddau river in Haverfordwest on Saturday. 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. Around Swansea Bay and The Gower Peninsula, it is an easy, accessible and versatile way to experience the water. We are supporting her family, and would ask for their privacy to be respected at this very difficult time, the statement said about Powell. A man and two women died at the scene while another woman continues to be treated at Withybush Hospital, Dyfed-Powys Police said. Paul ODwyer, one of the three people who died on the river Cleddau. The arrest came as police confirmed the death of Andrea Powell, 41, from Bridgend, who was taken to hospital after the incident. Our goal: to support and grow paddlesports and keep the sport's stoke alive. THE devastated family and friends of three people who died in a paddleboarding accident in Wales have spoken of their heartache. 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. Jump on our giant XXL inflatable SUP's, an 18ft long inflatable paddle board that's specifically designed for groups. 'He was always doing something, running 10ks and triathlons, surfing and skiing. 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. 04:57 EST 06 Nov 2021 Tuesday 16 November 2021, 2:48pm. You have entered an incorrect email address! Connecting with the club will allow you to discover more waterways. I think if you want to participate in extreme sports you need to prepare yourself by education first then decide if you are willing to take the risk. 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. Town councillor Thomas Tudor said there was an "out of the blue downpour" on Saturday morning. Paul O'Dwyer was pronounced dead on the banks of the Cleddau river in Haverfordwest on Saturday. There are several great spots to launch from. The other five members of the group, thought to be part of South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co according to PA Media, were rescued uninjured. 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. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We can bearly contain ourselvesThe results are in from our latest Photo Caption Contest, and theyre, well, unbearably funny, On December 20, appropriators released the highly anticipated fiscal year 2023 omnibus spending package which includes modest environmental and By Luke Spencer, Clackamas River Outfitters On weekends youll find her hiking with her rescue dog, Ivan, or exploring a local heritage site. whether he would be paddle . A rescue operation was launched after police received reports of people in distress in the water, including 30 firefighters and swiftwater rescue technicians. 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. 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 five other participants on the trip were rescued unharmed. 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. 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. 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. There are even a few pubs you can stop at along the way. Wales New Service, Many of those mourning Mr O'Dwyer are paddleboarders themselves. 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. Emergency services first received reports of people in distress in the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, shortly after 9am on Saturday. Bring your own kit, or hire what you need. However, enjoying a city break doesnt mean you have to miss out on an adventure. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. 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. 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. There are even social sessions where you can meet other enthusiasts. 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. Her death comes as police arrested a woman from South Wales, believed to be the organiser of the trip, before she was released under investigation. 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. Whitewater safety experts stress the dangers of lowhead dams at all times when paddling, as the tragedy illustrates. 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. Endurance race 230 miles in two days from North to South Wales along Offa's Dyke. "He loved all that helping people and raising a few pound for good, worthwhile causes in the community.". Another person is in a critical condition in hospital. Five others in the party, understood to be part of the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, were unharmed. The suspect, who police said comes from . 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. I was on the pass that day. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Close friend and policewoman Nerys Lloyd started the touching tribute today (Sat) as she walked to the sea alongside two children. Another is in a critical condition and being treated at the towns Withybush hospital, according to Dyfed-Powys police. 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. 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. 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. Offshore winds can pick up, so bear this in mind if you paddle out to sea. That expert in backcountry skiing was Lou Dawson, and as I recall he got some intense blow back for doing it but Lou Dawson did so for the future of backcountry recreation and to save lives. Im no expert in whitewater recreation. 'Paul was a water baby. 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 . Three women and a man died after the incident near a weir on the Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on October 30. She was amazing in every way. It is not very deep, and there is no worry about tides, so the body of water has quickly become a popular paddleboarding location. 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. 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 . Portaging above unrunnable drops becomes very difficult registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF 30 and! 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