Sarah Waller and Laura Pottinger: Prevention of future deaths report
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Date of report: 21/04/2023
Ref: 2024-0099
Deceased name: Sarah Waller and Laura Pottinger
Coroner name: Emma Whitting
Coroner Area: Bedfordshire and Luton
Category: Other related deaths
This report is being sent to: Department for Environment, food and Rural Affairs | Environment Agency
| REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT DEATHS | |
|---|---|
| THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: Rt Hon Therese COFFEY MP, Secretary of State for the Environment. Food and Rural Affairs Chief Executive of Environment Agency, Chair of Environment Agency | |
| 1 | CORONER I am Emma WHITTING, Senior Coroner for the coroner area of Bedfordshire and Luton Coroner Service |
| 2 | CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. |
| 3 | INVESTIGATION On 20 April 2023 I commenced an investigation into the death of two women aged 56 and 52. The investigation has not yet concluded and the inquest has not been heard. |
| 4 | CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH Both Deceased were found in the River Great Ouse at Kempston Mill, BEDFORD, on Sunday 16 April 2023 at around 10.50 hours. It appears that, at 10.00am that morning, they had rented out two canoes from KEMPSTON outdoor centre and had been due to return them at 11:00hrs. At the time of discovery, one of the Deceased was still caught in the circulating flow at the base of the weir along with two canoes and 2 life jackets. Although both Deceased were recovered from the water, they were prounced dead at the scene. The outdoor centre have indicated that both women had been renting canoes for them regularly for some years and had experience of the river. |
| 5 | CORONER’S CONCERNS I visited the scene yesterday which revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances, it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern) Although there is a physical barrier to prevent access to the top of the weir, there is no similar barrier to prevent access to the bottom which appears just as hazardous in view of the re-circulating flow (or towback), particularly during time of high water levels. |
| 6 | ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action. |
| 7 | YOUR RESPONSE You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, namely by June 16, 2023. I, the Coroner, may extend the period. Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. |
| 8 | COPIES and PUBLICATION I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the Inland Waterways ASSOCIATION who may find it useful or of interest. I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your response. The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. |
| 9 | Dated: 21/04/2023 Emma WHITTING Senior Coroner for Bedfordshire and Luton Coroner Service |