It is over 130 miles long, and several places along the river are ideal for paddleboarding. A lovely human being taken too soon. 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. Paul was a family man who loved the great outdoors and was in his prime. Its one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. Three paddleboarders have died in south-west Wales after getting into difficulty on a river. The Corps is sorry to learn of the death at the weekend of Paul ODwyer. The group of nine adults from South Wales had travelled to Haverfordwest for a paddle-boarding excursion. The beach offers shelter from the wind and swell. According to the Dyfed-Powys police, two women and a . 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. Five people who were rescued from the River Cleddau were uninjured. "He gave the rope to a man and went in after the girl, he did CPR until the emergency services arrived.". Police have said three people died in an accident on a river (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Archive) . Andrea Powell, 41, from the Bridgend area. 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. Im just a punk ocean surfer who now surfs river waves, and poorly to add to that. One of the victims, former soldier and ardent supper Paul ODwyer, 42, died while trying to rescue the other two victims Morgan Rogers, 24, and Nicola Wheatley, 40 during the tragedy. We have noticed that there is an issue with your subscription billing details. Around 80 surfers took to the waves with their boards for the 'swim out' as hundreds watched on from the beach. 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. Another. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. 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. You can hire a canoe, sailboat, or paddleboard on Cosmeston Lakes during the summer if you dont have your own. A 'paddle out' has been arranged on Aberavon beach Saturday 6 November by Aberavon Surf Club in Mr O'Dwyer's memory. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. 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. First Minister Mark Drakeford was one of many to pay his respects to those involved in the incident. This route has a lot to offer, especially if youre looking for that connection to nature. The northern parts of Wales and Scotland and the south-east and north of England were expected to see the most snow, with it falling in Kent, Northumberland, Carlisle and Falkirk. Multiple helicopters from the National Police Air Service, Coastguard and Wales Air Ambulance also assisted in the search. His passion for the water started with Aberavon lifeguards from an early age. A team of inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch is continuing to investigate the accident. 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. If you paddle west, you can reach Ogmore-by-Sea, but be careful around Nash Point as the currents are strong. 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. Woman arrested over paddleboarder deaths on Welsh river as fourth person dies 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. Endurance race 230 miles in two days from North to South Wales along Offa's Dyke. Joel Williams, 20, was walking to the hairdressers at the time but "dived right in" when he saw the paddleboarders in trouble. 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. A man and two women died at the scene in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on Saturday morning. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, was part of a group of nine people on a weekend exploring the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest. 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. 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. 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. Fun and exciting adventure days out in the stunning Wye Valley Monmouthshire exploring river, rocks & gorges. If you are considering a trip to South Wales or a local looking to try a new spot, there are standout places to stand up paddleboard. 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. October 31, 2021, 11:22 AM. Another woman is in hospital, in a critical condition. Two women were also pronounced dead at the scene . The remaining five paddleboarders escaped unharmed. It is the leading SUP club in Wales. However, like all water sports, those that buy or rent a paddleboard need to understand the risks. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. "We send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends and to those of the others who lost their lives," the statement added. 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. A man and two women died at the scene in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on Saturday morning. Paul O'Dwyer was pronounced dead on the banks of the Cleddau river in Haverfordwest on Saturday. 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. Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Margam Park Adventure is suitable for all abilities as long as you can swim! He told Wales Online: He was great fun. 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. 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. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after the deaths of four stand-up paddle-boarders in Wales. Where To Go Paddleboarding in South Wales. The event raised 4,500 for a heart screening charity in honour of five friends who died of undiagnosed heart problems. 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. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil was. Meanwhile friends of the victims held a memorial paddleboard event at Aberavon Beach this morning in an emotional tribute. 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. Paddleboarders deaths on the river Cleddau 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. There is a small jetty you can launch from, and the calm waters are also ideal for beginners. 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! Meet Our Latest Paddling Life Sweepstakes Winner! And did so much to raise money for charities.. A further five people were pulled out of the river River Cleddau in Haverfordwest by emergency services but had no injuries. First, if you are stand up paddleboarding wear the right equipment. Salty Dog Co, a watersports clothing shop, paid tribute toe Paul ODwyer, who is believed to be one of those who died. ), https://www.wildsnow.com/9980/sheep-creek-avalanche-site-visit/, What a package! His sporting prowess extended to many different sports. Ex-Royal Engineer Mr O'Dwyer has been described as 'inspirational' and a dedicated charity fundraiser. One person said to him 'you can't jump in', he said 'I am'. 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. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil, Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Swansea, and Paul ODwyer, 42, from. Always wear a buoyancy aid and, in moving water, wear a quick release waist leash so you can separate yourself from your paddleboard if it becomes trapped. Paul ODwyer, one of the three people who died on the river Cleddau. Morgan Rogers, 24, from Cefin Coed, Merthyr Tydfil; Nicola Wheatley, 40, from Pontardulais, Swansea; and Paul O'Dwyer, 42, from Sandfields, Port Talbot, died in the incident on Saturday. Its the most fun you'll have with your buddies as you paddle out through the surf and catch a wave in together. His local football club Aberavon Greenstars FC added in a tribute: 'It's been a horrendous 48 hours for our town, a weekend where we've lost some of our finest. Im no social media influencer and have no right to speak definitively about how to recreate safely in the rivers. Shock and disbelief and very sad stories about the lost victims; but then, silence by the community, industry, and experts. My thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy. They were part of a group of nine people on a weekend exploring the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest. Our thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. Im no expert in whitewater recreation. Heavy rain had caused river levels to rise and become more dangerous. The beach is one of the longest in Wales, nearly 3 miles long. 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. It was his first day in the backcountry. The HM Coroner, Health and Safety Executive and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) were informed. He was as calm as anything. The accident occurred amidst a heavy rainstorm, with 70mph winds and heavy rainfall continuing throughout the weekend due to a deep Atlantic low pressure system that arrived from the west. Is it time Harry & Meghan accept Clarkson's apology and move on? 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 . 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.". Now, the blue flag beach has an activity centre where you can hire wet suits and SUP equipment from Porthcawl Surf School. Cardiff International White Water is a watersports centre. 'He was always doing something, running 10ks and triathlons, surfing and skiing. DR. UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch official report on the following link. We were like 'what'?'. "A group of nine adults from the south Wales area had travelled to Pembrokeshire for a paddle-boarding excursion. Discovery Company. 'The aim of the MAIB's preliminary assessment is to help with determining the way forward. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. 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. He thought he was safe under the arms of a so called Expert. The group of nine from the South Wales Paddle Boarders and Salty Dog Co, an organisation based in Port Talbot, were on a weekend away together . A spokesman for the Pembrokeshire Coroner said inquests would be opened on the three victims later this month. 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. 'Nikki is also remembered as a gifted and dedicated scientist, who made significant contributions to the field of toxicology and presented her work at an international level. 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. She is a passionate cider drinker, spiced rum enthusiast and a cook from scratch advocate. 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. 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. She has left a void in our lives that will never be filled., The family of Paul ODwyer, 42, called him a devoted husband, father, son and brother and said that he devoted his life to contributing to society in his many adventures in raising money for different causes.. Three women and a man died after the incident near a weir on the Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on October 30. 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. Maybe it is human nature to not address hard to speak about things even when it means those things will happen again. My friend helped recover the bodies only to find out one of the men was one of our friends/ coworker. Subscribe to the City A.M. newsletter to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox. A man and two women have died and another woman is fighting for her life after a group of paddleboarders got into difficulties on a river in Wales, police have confirmed. 'Nikki was an enthusiastic, dedicated and an incredibly capable colleague. She was amazing in every way. Dyfed-Powys Police said the paddleboarding group had travelled from the south Wales area to the town for a paddleboarding excursion. 2023 BBC. ', '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, was described by her family as the best that she could be, who would sadly be missed by her mother, father, Rhys, Harry, Holly and Katy.. Our rafts accommodate 4-8 persons per raft. Town councillor Thomas Tudor said there was an "out of the blue downpour" on Saturday morning. The SUP community is still working its way through the seven stages of grief, the first being shock and denial. Focussed on community, fun, water safety and skills, they offer lessons and a way of meeting other like-minded water explorers. On completion you will receive a Ready to Ride certificate. Parts of the centre of Haverfordwest were shut off until the afternoon while a search took place. His proud mother Natasha said: 'Joel was walking across the bridge when he saw people in trouble so he took his phone out of his pocket. Ms Wheatleyworked in toxicology at London's Guys and St Thomas's Hospital in London before joining the Cardiff and Vale University health Board 15 years ago. In Pontypool, youll find Llandegfedd Reservoir. Our equipment maintained to the highest standards and sourced . As South Wales' oldest and most experienced stand up paddling boarding club, we ensure all of our team are friendly, professional, inclusive and of course safety focussed. Honestly, all deaths are freak accidents to the family and friends but in reality, death is a function of life. Learn to Paddle Board. Sat 6 Nov 2021 11.03 EDT First published on Sat 6 Nov 2021 06.01 EDT Police in Wales have arrested a woman on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a paddleboarding incident a week. 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. 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! The River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, where the incident occurred last Saturday. Welsh Tourist Board. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a paddleboarding incident in Wales last week in which four people died. A riverside weir/lowhead dam contributed to the accident. 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