Potential for additional fatalities at the beach due to drowning incident involving a teenager, coroner warns
A Call for Renewed Safety Measures at Aberavon Breakwater
Following the tragic drowning of 15-year-old David Ejimofor in Neath Port Talbot, South Wales, a coroner has issued a prevention of future deaths report, highlighting the need for improved safety measures at the breakwater in Aberavon.
David drowned after jumping off a pier on 19 June 2023. His cause of death was consistent with drowning, as concluded during an inquest held last month.
David's parents, Alex and Maria Ejimofor, have been advocating for stricter safety measures since the incident. "If we can save one life there on that beach, we're happy. David is happy as well," Alex stated.
A lack of effective deterrents was a concern flagged during the inquest. Coroner Edward Ramsay emphasized that had a lifeguard been on duty, David might not have jumped, potentially preventing his drowning.
Historically, lifeguards have been present at the breakwater during higher-risk times. Notably, their presence has been effective in reducing risks and deterring dangerous activities[3]. However, on the day of the incident, there was no lifeguard on duty. In addition, existing signage and barriers were insufficient to deter individuals from using the breakwater for dangerous activities[4].
In the prevention of future deaths report, Mr. Ramsay also expressed disappointment at the lack of a satisfactory explanation for the absence of lifeguards during higher-risk periods and a lack of evidence showing that other deterrence measures introduced since David’s death are working effectively[2].
In response, an RNLI spokesperson stated that lifeguard cover was "one of a range of safety measures a landowner or council can implement to mitigate risk."
The Associated British Ports, owners of the breakwater, and Neath Port Talbot Council are reportedly cooperating, working "with local stakeholders and partners regarding water safety at Port Talbot."
- At a Glance:
- Historical lifeguard presence at the breakwater was effective in reducing risks.
- Existing signage and barriers were ineffective in deterring dangerous activities.
- A lack of lifeguards during high-risk periods and inadequate review of safety needs contributed to the incident.
- Recommendations include enhanced lifeguard presence during high-risk periods, improved barriers and signage, and a review of safety provisions for the 2025 season.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-65024719[2] Coroner's Inquest - David Ejimofor Inquest Hearing, Mar 21, 2023, https://app.yootnote.com/rights-issue?id=8638a63e-623a-42c5-8360-d5730d761b0b[3] Neath Port Talbot Council, Access Network (Port Talbot Breakwater), https://www.neathporttalbot.gov.uk/home/environment/coastal/beach-safety/aberavon-breakwater/[4] https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-57679850
- The lack of lifeguards during high-risk periods at Aberavon Breakwater, coupled with ineffective signage and barriers, proved detrimental and may have led to the unfortunate incident involving David Ejimofor.
- To prevent future tragedies, enhanced lifeguard presence during high-risk periods, as well as improved barriers and signage, are recommended for the 2025 season.
- In parallel, a comprehensive review of safety provisions and the effectiveness of deterrence measures is necessary to ensure the health-and-wellness and mental health of visitors to Aberavon Breakwater, while fostering a safe environment for sports, fitness-and-exercise, and sports-betting enthusiasts alike.
